Why Doctors Should Stop Weighing People (and BMI is trash!)

Body Mass Index (BMI) has been used for decades as a quick and simple way to measure a person’s health based on their height and weight. However, BMI is not an accurate measure of health, and the focus on weight in medical appointments can be harmful, particularly for individuals who are seeking eating disorder therapy. Weight stigma in healthcare can lead to misdiagnoses and prevent patients from receiving proper treatment.

BMI Is an Outdated and Oversimplified Metric

BMI was developed as a statistical tool for population studies, not as a diagnostic tool for individual health. It fails to take into account important factors like:

• Muscle mass

• Body composition

• Bone density

For example, a person with a high muscle mass—such as an athlete—may be classified as overweight or obese according to BMI, despite having a healthy body fat percentage. On the other hand, someone with a low BMI may still experience serious health problems, such as malnutrition, despite appearing to be in a healthy weight range. Research shows that BMI and health are not always correlated, making it a poor tool for assessing overall well-being.

For individuals seeking eating disorder therapy, the focus on BMI can be damaging. It can reinforce feelings of inadequacy or drive unhealthy behaviors related to weight control. Therapy for eating disorders needs to address the full scope of physical and mental health, rather than using an arbitrary number to determine worth or health. Weight-neutral medical care ensures that all patients receive appropriate treatment without the negative effects of weight stigma.

The Psychological Impact of Weighing

For those struggling with eating disorders, being weighed at medical appointments can be a triggering and stressful experience. The focus on weight can:

• Exacerbate negative body image

• Reinforce harmful thoughts and behaviors related to food

• Leads to anxiety about medical visits

Eating disorder therapy aims to help individuals heal their relationship with food and their bodies, and this healing can be hindered by constant weight assessments. A weight-inclusive healthcare approach is essential in providing compassionate and effective treatment.

BMI Does Not Account for Health Variability

Health is not determined by weight alone. Studies have shown that:

• People classified as overweight or obese by BMI can still be in excellent health

• People with a “normal” BMI can experience serious health conditions

Health at Every Size (HAES) is a movement that aligns with therapy for eating disorders by encouraging people to focus on behaviors that promote well-being rather than obsessing over weight. HAES advocates for:

• A more inclusive, body-positive approach to health

• Recognizing that well-being is achievable at any body size

• Non-diet health strategies that improve overall wellness

A Shift in Focus: Health at Every Size

Health at Every Size promotes the idea that health is not about reaching a certain weight but about adopting health-promoting behaviors, such as:

• Regular physical activity

• Stress management

• Balanced nutrition

This approach is especially helpful in eating disorder therapy, as it moves away from weight-focused goals and emphasizes overall well-being. Weight-inclusive therapists play a crucial role in providing care that supports both mental and physical health.

At Radiance Therapy Group, we embrace HAES principles in our work, encouraging clients to focus on improving their mental and physical health without the harmful pressure to conform to unrealistic body ideals. If you’re searching for eating disorder therapy in Philadelphia, we provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment that prioritizes overall well-being.