Reviewed by Eric Helms, PhD, CSCS
About a year ago, a plus-size yoga teacher caused a minor scandal.
Specifically, Gatorade ran a series of ads featuring Jessamyn Stanley—a well-known yoga instructor, author, and body positivity advocate.
The reaction was brutal.
People took to social media, arguing that someone with so much visible body fat was a poor choice for an “athlete,” let alone a “healthy” person.
On the other side of the debate were people who said that Stanley's body size had nothing to do with her overall health. Some of these people suggested that we get rid of medical categories like “overweight” and “obesity,” which they say support anti-fat bias and stigma.
Who is right?
As our infographic shows…
When it comes to body fat, the truth about its effects is LOT nuanced – and LOT individual.
Before you dig in, we'd like to admit a few things.
▶ Like most health topics, the relationship between body fat and overall health is complex.
As body fat levels increase, so does the risk of developing metabolic disease. At the same time, you can become healthier without losing weight or body fat – how you can lose weight or body fat without becoming healthier.
▶ Weight stigma exists.
And, it's rampant in the fitness and nutrition industry. It is likely because of this anti-fat bias that discussions of body fat become so heated. People with larger bodies are stereotyped as lazy, weak, weak-willed and of low intelligence.
This is hurtful and patently wrong – and prevents real, fact-based debate from taking place.
▶ Stigma helps no one.
“Shame is not a motivator at the individual or societal level,” says Eric Helms, PhD, a sports physiology and nutrition researcher at Auckland University of Technology and co-founder of MASS Research Review.
Rather than helping with fat loss, anti-fat stigma is linked to disordered eating, emotional eating, increased calorie intake, and weight gain. 1, 2, 3
▶ Everyone is worthy of respect.
You are allowed to love yourself, regardless of your body size. You can also pursue health-related activities (such as improving nutrition or increasing exercise) without wanting to change your body.
We can and should talk about body fat, just as we can and should talk about cholesterol, blood pressure, and other health topics. Knowing the truth about body fat gives you the wisdom you need to make important health decisions.
(If you are curious to evaluate YOUR body fat percentage, tons FREE Body Fat Calculator I can help you.)
Regardless of your feelings about body fat, we encourage you to view this infographic with an open mind.
(Otherwise, download to print OR save it to your device.)
Want to share this with family, friends and clients? Click here to download the infographic and print it, or save it to your device.
References
Click here to view the information sources referenced in this article.
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