Welcoming a new year often means beginning the year surrounded by people obsessed with weight loss and diet culture. This can be triggering for those of us working to love and accept our bodies exactly as they are. Still, there are plenty of reasons you should ditch diets this year and focus on your health instead.
Although the air is thick with resolutions and society telling us that fatness is not only a personal failing, it’s also a strain on our health care system. Both of these assumptions are not based on facts. Size is not an indicator of health. And health is not an indicator of worth. Regardless of size people are worthy of love, respect, and a fulfilled life. So regardless of your goals for the next 362 days remember to be kind to yourself.
The Resolution Solution
A new survey from Forbes Health/OnePoll revealed that 48% of Americans said improving fitness is a top priority in 2024 and 36% cite improved mental health as a top resolution. 55% said that improving physical and mental health are equally important in the new year. Interestingly, the 2022 Forbes Health/OnePoll survey showed that many people were prioritizing their mental health, rather than their physical health, in their resolutions for 2023.
According to a recent Statista survey, 49% of Brits want to exercise more in 2024. While 42% plan on eating healthier, and 36% want to lose weight.
A recent survey from Finder shows that 39% of Australians are resolving to eat healthier this year. 36% of Aussies plan on improving their fitness, and 33% want to lose weight.
In 2019 42% of Canadians made New Year’s resolutions to lose weight.
The Truth About Diets
Wondering why you should ditch diets? Even though millions of people attempt to lose weight every year, data from the Medical Clinics of North America shows that more than half of all weight lost in diets is regained within 2 years. 80% of all weight lost is regained within 5 years.
Americans spend $33 billion annually on weight loss products. The Weight Loss Services industry in Canada had a revenue of $411.6 million in 2023. Australians were set to spend $483 million on weight loss services in 2023. While Brits spend approximately £2 billion annually on diet plans, books, apps, and related foods and supplements. The latest Global Weight Management Market Report states that the market is set to reach a value of $722.8 billion by 2028.
Science has proven that diets don’t work. But the weight loss industry refuses to acknowledge this because of how much money it’s making.
Nearly 80% of resolutions fail by February. Which is disheartening, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your goals. Science proves that fat people can be fit and not have any of the conditions associated with “obesity” and that thin people can be unfit enough to have those same conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart issues.
The same CDC study found that people who were overweight according to their body mass index or BMI. Had no increased risk of death compared with people whose BMIs fell in the “normal” range. Which is why we’re focusing on health and wellness this month. It’s important that our content reminds you that you are perfect as you are and that it’s perfectly fine to focus on your health and be fat-positive.
Not only should you ditch diets, but you should understand that health looks different for all of us. When it comes to weight management, the first stop should always be your doctor. Weight is not the only indicator of health and regardless of your health, you deserve to have a happy new year!
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