I don't know about you, but the concept of "health" feels rather elusive and abstract. It's a word we toss around all the time. But what does it even mean?
Before you continue reading my ideas about health, I encourage you to pause and reflect for yourself...
👉What does health mean to you? How would you define it?
What is health?
👉The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
I appreciate this definition because it validates my idea that health is about much more than being able to run a mile or having proper calcium levels.
This definition makes sure to include mental and social well-being into the equation too - something I think traditional doctors and Western medicine often overlook.
There's still a lot to this definition that is left to interpretation, however. "Complete well-being" seems like a pretty subjective term with a wide range of presentations.
I know there are aspects of health that are non-negotiable and quite straightforward like having a beating heart and lungs that can take in enough air to survive. But my guess is every doctor has different components of health that they deem more critical than others.
So...what is health? I'd love to hear your definition!
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My Definition of Health
In many ways, I'm blessed with good health.
But there are many ways it feels like my body isn't working properly or optimally. I have chronic pain and digestion problems that interfere with my daily life. My mobility is limited. My menstrual cycle is off-the-charts painful and interferes with day-to-day functioning. And my mental state and emotions are often impacted by this pain.
But the last time I checked my blood tests were fine, I am free of disease, I get high-quality sleep, I have amazing friends, an incredible husband, and I feel tapped into my life's meaning and purpose.
All of that feels like health and well-being to me.
When I think about what optimal health looks like to me, my body, and my life - this is what I came up with!
Blood tests come back in the normal ranges
Having enough energy to comfortably get through the day
Getting solid, uninterrupted sleep
Moving my body pain-free
Painless digestion
Ability to carry a child
Free of disease
Adequate hygiene
Being able to see, hear, smell, and taste
Being able to walk
Ability to think clearly
Minimal memory loss
Able to have complex ideas and problem-solve
Minimal stress & minimal overwhelm
Absence of mood disorders
Experiencing joy
Feeling supported socially and emotionally
This is MY list and a reflection of my values. It's not all-inclusive and it might differ from what you'd put on your list!
Having a body that's able to carry a child is important in what I consider a healthy version of myself, but for some people, this either isn't relevant or doesn't feel like a factor they would even consider.
Because I was born able to walk, maintaining that ability is a sign of good health to me. But not everyone is born with equally abled bodies.
And because I was born highly sensitive, easily depressed, and easily anxious my version of mental well-being is going to be different than someone else's. What feels healthy and comfortable for me, might feel very scary and uncomfortable to someone else.
Marketing and the media are constantly comparing you to other people. Telling you to get stronger, faster, more flexible, more energetic, more productive, more popular, more more more.
But health is personal.
"Good health" for you is going to be different than "good health" for me. The science books say otherwise, but the philosopher in me hasn't come to a conclusive understanding of a definition of health that applies to all people.
I'd encourage you to determine what health means to YOU.
Does health have a look?
Close your eyes for a moment and envision someone you consider "healthy." What image springs to mind?
Chances are, you're picturing a thin individual with an able-bodied frame. It's a common association—we've been conditioned to link size with health.
Specifically, we've been led to believe that thin equals healthy and fat equals unhealthy. But these assumptions need to be challenged.
Thin individuals can have diseases.
Muscular people can experience heart attacks.
Small bodies may endure chronic pain.
Able-bodied individuals can grapple with depression.
The truth is, that size does not dictate health. Despite what the media, marketing, doctors, and even our social circles may suggest, smaller does not always mean healthier.
Conversely, people with larger bodies can lead healthy lives. They run marathons, boast perfect bloodwork, enjoy fulfilling sex lives, and experience profound joy.
Sadly, our culture often equates size with health. Many doctors still prescribe weight loss as a solution to health issues. However, research indicates that pursuing intentional weight loss can lead to heightened stress and weight cycling (the repeated loss and regain of weight), both of which have adverse effects on health.
Health At Every Size
Health at Every Size (HAES), a concept introduced by Lindo Bacon, is a movement and framework that promotes body acceptance and size diversity in health practices, challenging traditional beliefs about weight and wellness.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Over time the HAES principles have been trademarked by the Association of Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) and Lindo Bacon has written another book, Body Respect, that further elaborates upon the HAES principles and expands their reach to be more focused on social justice and the systems of oppression that exist regarding size.
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The principles of HAES are:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Body respect - treating all humans AND THEIR BODIES with respect regardless of size.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Celebrating body diversity and embracing all the different sizes, shapes, forms, and abilities bodies can take⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Looking critically at the science and research surrounding health, diet, weight studies, etc.
Advocating for shifts in healthcare to equalize access to information and services and fights for equal medical treatment of people of all body sizes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Actively working to challenge weight bias and weight stigma⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Believing that movement can be joyful and nourishing⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Valuing pleasure in eating, honoring hunger cues, and finding flexibility with food rather than following prescribed meal plans centered around weight control.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
One of my favorite components of HAES is the recommendation for folks to pursue health-promoting behaviors.
What if, instead of prescribing weight loss, doctors prescribed actual health-promoting behaviors such as:
"Try this dance class."
"Try taking this supplement."
"Try going to bed a couple of hours earlier."
"Try to get some more sunshine and fresh air."
If you're nodding along to what I said above and had the thought "My doctor does tell me those things!" I can't help but wonder if you live in a smaller body.
Because many people in larger bodies do not hear those recommendations. When they go to the doctor they are met with "lose weight. lose weight. lose weight."
Ovarian pain? Lose weight. Hurting knees? Lose weight. Feeling depressed? Lose weight.
If you think I'm exaggerating, I'm not. Start listening to the stories of people in larger bodies.
This is one reason why health disparities exist. Because health treatments and recommendations aren't universal. People with larger bodies are subject to weight bias and weight discrimination, especially in the healthcare industry.
"Weight loss" is frequently prescribed as a health goal. But weight loss doesn't ensure health. They're not the same thing.
Do we owe anyone health?
There's so much pressure to be healthy.
We're all expected to live a life dedicated to achieving and sustaining health.
My health is important to me because I want to dance without pain, I want to make sure I can bring children into this world, and I want to grow old with my husband with a sound mind. I value health and want to pursue it.
But does everyone? Is pursuing health a personal responsibility? What happens if health isn't a high value for someone? Is having health as a goal a privilege? Is your worth determined by your health?
These are all questions I'm still exploring in my own life! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!
Ultimately, health is complex and deeply personal. Understanding that health doesn’t have a ‘look’ and isn’t tied to a specific size can open us up to a more compassionate and sustainable path to wellness.
If you want to get plugged into my inner circle and get all the latest thoughts on health, Intuitive Eating, and mental health 👇 be sure to sign up for my newsletter here!