The hottest Weight Science Substack posts right now

Repeated attempts at intentional weight loss can have decreasing odds of success, and weight cycling can lead to significant harm.
Just because a study result is statistically significant doesn't necessarily mean the effect is important or impactful.
Understanding the actual increase in risk percentage versus the absolute risk percentage is crucial in healthcare decision-making.

The concept of 'long term' in weight science research can be misleading, with studies claiming 'long-term' follow-ups that are actually quite short.
The term 'significant' in weight science research can be manipulated to make small weight losses seem important, leading to misleading conclusions.
The idea of 'success' in weight science research is often based on short-term weight loss without considering long-term health outcomes, contributing to the perpetuation of flawed weight loss paradigms.

Correlation does not equal causation - a fundamental principle in research that is often overlooked in weight science.
Weight loss attempts commonly fail and can even result in long-term weight gain - focusing on weight as a health indicator may be misguided.
Improving health in fat individuals may not necessarily require weight loss - addressing barriers to health and promoting overall well-being can be more effective.

A weight loss company used a study to push for lap band surgeries by exaggerating the cost of workplace 'fatness'.
The study funding source being a pharmaceutical company raised concerns about biased results.
Issues in the study include unreliable self-reported data, flawed statistical analysis, and assumptions linking productivity loss to weight.

Fatness is not solely about a 'calories in, calories out' equation, debunking this myth is important for supporting the rights and dignity of fat individuals.
The prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the years, but factors like weight stigma, weight cycling, and intentional weight loss attempts are often overlooked in discussions about obesity and health.
Relying on a weight-normative approach and pushing for eradicating fat individuals can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and may not necessarily lead to improved health outcomes for people of all body sizes.

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The Weight and Healthcare Newsletter explores weight science, weight stigma, and healthcare, offering valuable information to support individuals dealing with medical weight stigma.
Weight stigma in healthcare causes significant harm, especially to individuals with higher weights and multiple marginalized identities. There is a more helpful and less harmful paradigm available through examining evidence and lived experiences.
Positive changes are possible in healthcare regarding weight-inclusive care and best practices. Education and dialogue can lead to improved understanding and practices among healthcare professionals.

The newsletter 'Weight and Healthcare' focuses on weight science, weight stigma, and best healthcare practices for higher weight people.
The author of the newsletter is Ragen Chastain.
The newsletter aims to explore evidence, ethics, and lived experiences related to weight and healthcare.