Nutritionist Advocates for Weight Inclusivity in Health Assessments
Gabriela Uriarte champions a more inclusive approach to health assessments that transcends body size.
Key Points
- • Health assessments shouldn't rely solely on body size.
- • Uriarte critiques the stigma attached to the term 'obesity'.
- • Both overweight and underweight individuals can be healthy.
- • Promotes appropriate language around body weight and health.
Gabriela Uriarte, a prominent nutritionist, recently advocated for a shift in how health assessments are conducted, urging that they should not be determined solely by body size. In an interview on the podcast *GastroSer*, she emphasized, "We cannot diagnose just by looking; I cannot tell if a person is sick or not based on their body." Uriarte's perspective aligns with the growing call for 'weight inclusivity', which challenges the stigmatization of individuals based on their weight.
She criticized the negative connotations associated with the term 'obesity', explaining that it often implies excessive eating and reinforces harmful stereotypes. Uriarte noted that both overweight and underweight individuals can be healthy, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of overall health beyond mere appearance.
Moreover, she pointed out that many individuals who experience weight stigma might also be struggling with eating disorders, which are frequently misrepresented in society. By promoting appropriate language and a more nuanced view of health, Uriarte hopes to foster a better understanding of individual health circumstances across the weight spectrum.