Volume 37, Issue 6 p. 1291-1306
INVITED REVIEW

The consequences of a weight-centric approach to healthcare: A case for a paradigm shift in how clinicians address body weight

Kasuen Mauldin PhD, RD

Corresponding Author

Kasuen Mauldin PhD, RD

Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging, San José State University, San José, California, USA

Department of Clinical Nutrition, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, California, USA

Correspondence Kasuen Mauldin, PhD, RD, Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging, San José State University, One Washington Square, San José, CA 95192-0058, USA.

Email: [email protected]

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Michelle May MD

Michelle May MD

Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Training, USA

Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA

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Dawn Clifford PhD, RD

Dawn Clifford PhD, RD

Department of Health Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

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First published: 12 July 2022
Citations: 12

Abstract

Current healthcare is weight-centric, equating weight and health. This approach to healthcare has negative consequences on patient well-being. The aim of this article is to make a case for a paradigm shift in how clinicians view and address body weight. In this review, we (1) address common flawed assumptions in the weight-centric approach to healthcare, (2) review the weight science literature and provide evidence for the negative consequences of promoting dieting and weight loss, and (3) provide practice recommendations for weight-inclusive care.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare no conflict of interest.