I
recently attended a training on the Health at Every Size Approach (HAES). The
idea shared was that we need to get away from the focus on weight and make our
recommendations and drive for change based on health. Studies repeatedly show
that most chronic dieters will simply regain the weight back and that over a 10
year period, dieters should expect to maintain a mere 7 pound weight loss. Not
too encouraging, right? So is that what we want for our kids? Is that what we
should have children and adolescents strive to accomplish? Instead of focusing
on calorie restriction and a feeling of deprivation to reach a goal weight
usually determined by society and not by health experts, we need to focus on health
and healthy eating habits.
The World
Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical,
mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease. The HAES Approach
follows this definition by focusing on promoting healthy eating habits and
increasing physical activity to ensure healthy hearts (including healthy lipid
profiles), as well as sustainable healthy habits. The approach is more
health-centered rather than your typical weight-centered programs. It can help
chronic dieters reshape their thinking, eliminate unhealthy habits, adopt new
patterns of eating, become more physically active, and increase their
self-esteem. This idea of preserving and even enhancing self-esteem is of
special importance for children and teens. If you are interested in learning
more about this approach to improving health, visit http://www.haescommunity.org/about.php
for more credible information.
