Weight science: evaluating the evidence for a paradigm shift
Bacon L, and Aphramor L. Nutrition Journal 2011 10:9 doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-9
Objective: Evaluation of the evidence supporting weight loss treatment for health, and, a 'health at every size' (HAES) approach to health.
Design: Review of RCTs examining HAES, intuitive eating. A review of the evidence opposing weight loss to improve health, discussing assumptions such as: adiposity poses significant mortality / morbidity risk; weight loss via diet/exercise is achievable and practical; obesity related costs place a large burden on the economy.
Results: HAES approach does provide some statistically and clinically relevant improvements in physiological measures (bp, blood lipids), health behaviors and psychosocial outcomes (self-esteem, body image etc)
Conclusions: Weight loss as a health target is ineffective and unethical.
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