multiple perspectives from the Times

Can medical professionals emphasize health and healthy living rather than weight?

Five writers examine how public health initiatives can promote good habits without also reinforcing size discrimination in Room for Debate.

"A focus on health would emphasize adding positive behaviors rather than fixating on weight loss. It would support people in incorporating fruit and vegetables in their diet, or taking a 10- or 20-minute walk every day, or learning relaxation breathing to help manage stress. These small steps are important and achievable, while long-term weight loss, for most people, is not."
- Harriet Brown