Adherence
Weight-neutral health strategies (HAES) improve psychological well-being, body image, and intuitive eating without requiring weight loss, but lack long-term evidence for physical health outcomes compared to weight-loss strategies.
If you are tired of yo-yo dieting, a weight-neutral approach (HAES) focuses on how you feel and behave rather than the number on the scale. It emphasizes intuitive eating and enjoyable movement. This can significantly improve mental health and body image, though long-term physical health benefits are still being studied.
The intended health outcome is independent of weight loss and includes improving mental and physical well-being irrespective of body size.
Why this rating
Based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, but studies are often short-term, non-randomized, or small.
Source
Debating Weight Loss vs. Weight Neutral Strategies for Improvements of Health
Berit L. Heitmann et al. · Current Obesity Reports · 2024
DOI 10.1007/s13679-024-00587-8
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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