Dieting, weight, and health: Reconceptualizing research and policy

The damaging side effects of the thinness pursuit are a growing social prob lem and public health threat causing concern for many health professionals, This concern stems from several areas of research outlined by the authors of this issue. First, research has consistently shown that weight loss prog rams do not have long-term positive outcomes. Continued participation in we ight loss programs is associated with repeated weight loss and regain. This may cause problems, as weight fluctuation is associated with increased mor tality and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, chronic, restrictive dieti ng is a significant risk factor for the development of binge behavior and e ating disorders. Direct adverse effects of weight loss programs and dangero us weight loss strategies such as laxative use, smoking cigarettes, very-lo w-calorie diets, prescription and over-the-counter diet pills, pose serious health risks, In a weight-centered approach toward health, thinness is vie wed as a crucial goal for optimum health, and thus on to be strived for by all. Although thinness is believed to be synonymous with good health, this conclusion reflects only selective interpretations of research, There is co nsiderable need to reinterpret previous data filtered through a thinness-bi ased lens that has led to inaccurate conclusions. The following past conclu sions are reevaluated bq the authors of this journal issue and summarized h ere: people can change their weight at will, dieting works and improves hea lth, dieting makes you feel good, and fatness equal disease while thinness equals optimal health. Implications of this reconceptualization for a scien tific and policy paradigm shift are discussed, and alternatives are propose d.