Transforming Healthcare: Experts Advocate for a Shift from Weight-Centric Approaches to Patient-Centered Care

Experts are raising concerns that focusing solely on weight loss for people with high body mass index (BMI) may do more harm than good. In an article in The BMJ, Dr. Juan Franco and colleagues argue that long-term weight loss through lifestyle changes is often unattainable. They emphasize that, while a healthy lifestyle is beneficial, weight alone doesn’t accurately reflect someone’s overall health.

Traditionally, doctors have recommended lifestyle changes such as calorie restriction and increased physical activity to help individuals lose weight. However, evidence shows these methods don’t consistently lead to lasting results. In fact, they might even lead to negative health effects and reinforce weight stigma, which can harm both mental health and foster unhealthy behaviors.

Recent studies highlight the growing understanding that weight isn’t a comprehensive measure of health. Approaches like Health at Every Size (HAES) have gained traction, suggesting that well-being isn’t solely dependent on losing weight. These methods have shown promise in improving eating habits without focusing on weight reduction.

In 2021, a report by the World Health Organization found that over 800 million adults globally are living with obesity, making the conversation about how we approach weight and health increasingly critical. The report underscored the importance of addressing individual health needs rather than simply targeting weight loss.

Doctors are encouraged to offer personalized care that respects patients’ preferences and circumstances, regardless of their weight. This means discussing the potential benefits and risks of various interventions without reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Ultimately, the goal remains to provide effective health care. Engaging with patients about healthy eating and physical activity is crucial, but it should be reframed to focus on overall well-being, not just weight. A patient-centered approach may lead to more compassionate care and help in reducing weight bias.

For further reading on this topic, you can explore the study by Dr. Franco and colleagues in The BMJ [here](https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-084654).

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Obesity, Weight Loss, Body Mass Index, Education, Healthy Lifestyle, Physical Activity, Research, Research Project, Stress