The consequences of a weight-centric approach to healthcare: A case for a paradigm shift in how clinicians address body weight.
Kasuen MauldinMichelle MayDawn E CliffordPublished in: Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (2022)
Current healthcare is weight-centric, equating weight and health. This approach to healthcare has negative consequences on patient well-being. The aim of this article is to make a case for a paradigm shift in how clinicians view and address body weight. In this review, we (1) address common flawed assumptions in the weight-centric approach to healthcare, (2) review the weight science literature and provide evidence for the negative consequences of promoting dieting and weight loss, and (3) provide practice recommendations for weight-inclusive care.
Keyphrases
- body weight
- healthcare
- weight loss
- body mass index
- bariatric surgery
- physical activity
- weight gain
- roux en y gastric bypass
- palliative care
- gastric bypass
- public health
- systematic review
- primary care
- health information
- mental health
- quality improvement
- risk assessment
- social media
- affordable care act
- glycemic control
- obese patients
- human health