If you ever wondered if it’s possible to be healthy even while overweight, read on

Body image can be a challenging concept with which to grapple. We get to grips with this weighty matter: yes, it might be possible to be overweight yet relatively healthy.

Quick Read:

  • Healthy people come in different sizes and shapes.
  • You don’t have to be skinny to be “healthy”.
  • Try to focus less on dieting and more on being healthy overall.

Hands up if you’re 100% happy with your body

The truth is, very few of us are. For many people, it can feel like an eternal battle, especially if you’ve been struggling to lose weight.

First, have you considered that it might actually be possible that you are perfectly healthy even if you’re heavier than you would like?

Many women, all over the world, feel unhappy with how they look, often because they believe they are overweight. It’s a fear that’s evident just looking at the millions of products that are created to reshape, slim down, and redefine our bodies.

Understandably, there is some correlation between a healthy weight and its effect on your risk for health conditions. But, the line between promoting health and body shaming is often unclear. Body image issues are not limited to any one type of person; they are a global challenge, affecting women across various cultures and societies.

 

Healthy body image

How BMI works

Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used for a long time as a standard measure of health. According to these standards, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered ideal.

But BMI has its limitations.

It doesn’t account for muscle mass, fat distribution or genetic factors that can influence a person’s body shape and weight. For example, someone with a higher BMI might be muscular and healthy, while someone with a lower BMI might be unfit. Think of Olympic athletes, for instance. Sprinters are built differently from marathon runners to wrestlers to swimmers…

One critical factor to consider is where the fat sits on your body. Fat around the belly is linked to higher health risks, while fat on the hips, thighs and arms might not be as harmful, and could even help protect against some diseases.

It’s possible that people who are overweight but stay physically active might be healthier than those who have a “normal” weight, but don’t exercise regularly.

Luckily, the way we talk about body image is rapidly changing. There’s a growing movement that encourages people to focus on being healthy, no matter their size. This shift is showing up in new health campaigns that stress the importance of staying active, eating well, and taking care of your mental health, rather than just focusing on losing weight. More people are starting to understand that health isn’t just about the number on the scale. It’s about moving your body regularly, eating a variety of nutritious foods, and keeping a positive outlook.

Focus on a healthier YOU

Give yourself a break. Fitness and health come in all shapes and sizes. While society might push us toward a specific ideal, it’s important to remember that health is personal and can’t be defined by one standard.

Stay healthy, no matter your size:

  • Instead of thinking of exercise as a chore, turn it into a celebration of what your body can do. Try activities that bring joy, like hula hooping, rollerskating or dancing in your bedroom. Enjoy your exercise and it will feel less like a boring task.
  • Do you enjoy what you’re eating? Take the time to really savour your food. Create a mindful eating ritual by focusing on your food, not phone or TV, during meals. Look at the colours and textures and let yourself enjoy the taste of your food. Eating with intention can help you enjoy your meals more and tune in to what your body truly needs.
  • Learn to love your body and appreciate its uniqueness. Each day, write down one thing you’re grateful for about your body. Whether it’s how your legs carry you through the day, or how your hands create art, this practice helps shift your focus from appearance to appreciation.
Help at hand

Learning to appreciate your body and working toward a healthier body image doesn’t mean you should give into excessively unhealthy habits. If your weight is impacting your overall health and puts you at risk for chronic health challenges, please speak to a doctor for advice.

Images: Freepik

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