Elgin St. Thomas Public Health

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Healthy Weights

In our society, the perceived answer for being overweight has been to follow a strict diet and/or exercise plan until an “ideal” body weight is reached. The reality is, however, that current pressure to be thin with an intense focus on weight has lead to an increase in body dissatisfaction with unhealthy weight control behaviours and ultimately weight gain! Over the past few years, people are getting larger, not smaller, even though 25% of Canadians are dieting. The multi billion dollar weight loss industry counts on this poor success rate!

What is the answer? Accept and understand our bodies. Avoid strict diet and exercise plans designed with the sole purpose of losing weight. Focus less on weight and more on making healthy food choices and creating an environment of active living. Be realistic with yourself and recognize that a simple 5 to 10% weight reduction if needed, is often all it takes to lower your risk of chronic disease like diabetes and heart disease.