In a culture obsessed with dieting and body image, health experts are urging a shift in focus — from the numbers on the scale to the power of movement.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of American adults are living with obesity today. This reality has fueled a massive weight loss industry, valued at $143 billion in 2022 and projected to soar to $299 billion by 2030.
Yet, despite this booming industry, many experts warn that weight alone is not the true measure of health. Dr. Lisa Erlanger, a clinical professor of family medicine at the University of Washington and president of the Association for Weight and Size Inclusive Medicine, says there are countless ways to become healthier without obsessing over weight.
“Just increasing your steps or your muscle strength over time can lower your risk of cancer, depression, diabetes, and heart disease,” she explained.
A 2024 meta-analysis supports her view, revealing that while dieting can lead to temporary weight loss, most people regain the weight within a few years — erasing any health benefits achieved.
Professor Glenn Gaesser of Arizona State University, coauthor of that study, emphasizes that the causes of obesity are complex. From chemical exposure to ultra-processed foods and modern lifestyle changes, numerous factors influence our bodies in ways we still don’t fully understand.
“Obesity isn’t simply about calories in versus calories out,” Gaesser said. “It’s much bigger than that.”
He notes that certain man-made chemicals, known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” may disrupt the endocrine system and alter metabolism. Even viral infections, like adenovirus 36, have been linked to increased body fat in some studies.
Meanwhile, restrictive dieting may backfire entirely.
“Every time people try to lose weight through strict diets, their body resists,” Erlanger said. “Metabolism slows down, sleep worsens, and cravings increase — it’s the body’s way of surviving.”
This constant cycle of losing and regaining weight, known as yo-yo dieting, is linked to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bone fractures, and even certain cancers.
That’s why experts recommend focusing on fitness, not fat. Activities like walking, cycling, gardening, or dancing can drastically improve health — even without major changes in weight.
“If you want to improve your health, don’t diet — go for a walk,” Erlanger said. “More people want to be smaller, not healthier.”
Ultimately, the message is clear: health is not measured in pounds or kilograms, but in strength, endurance, and energy.
“Exercise is phenomenally effective in improving your health,” Gaesser concluded. “Every cell in your body benefits from movement. You can be fit and healthy, even if your weight isn’t considered ideal.”
So before starting another trendy diet, take a deep breath and step outside — not on the scale, but into motion.