Ep 88: 8 Red Flags of Weight Loss Research - Solo Episode

On this Solo Episode, David explains some of the holes in weight loss research, shines a light on why the research doesn't support weight loss as a cure for everything, and discusses the difference between weight centric and weight inclusive. He asks "If you are supposed to lose weight to live longer and stay healthy why isn't it working?". In the beginning of this podcast David is transparent about his history with using a weight centric approach, working in a bariatric center, and his transition to and training in Intuitive Eating. This is important because most people don't know that nearly all education for dietitians is fatphobic. It can be hard as a practitioner to be curious and challenge what you've been taught, then inevitably break away from the norm. Most intuitive eating dietitians have a similar story to David's and it is important that IE dietitians continue to share their stories of growth.As David talks about the holes in weight loss research he references John Robison's article about the 8 red flags of weight loss research which focuses on a commonly references weight loss research study for diabetes and heart disease - the Look AHEAD Study. Many of these red flags can be used to assess bias in any weight loss research study. During this podcast David really puts a critical eye on how weight centered research is being conducted. 8 Red Flags of Weight Loss ResearchComparing participants to non-participants Using different denominators when determining outcomes Calling it "maintenance" when the program is still on going Claiming your program is highly effective at helping achieve clinically meaningful weight loss when it really isn't Not distinguishing between the health impacts of weight loss and life style changes Claiming "savings" when there isn’t enough evidence to prove it Not considering the age of participantsNot being transparent about likely outcomes and potential negative consequences For more show notes and episode resources please check out the One Small Bite home page. Have you heard about the new One Small Bite Facebook community? Come and join the great conversation and be a part of a community that’s chopping diet culture, asking thought provoking questions about Intuitive Eating, Health at Every Size, and building positive relationships with food.If you want to reach me, please go to One Small Bite podcast website at that link and leave me a 90sec or less audio message. Or, feel free to reach me at [email protected] I'd love to hear from you.Photo by: instagram.com/carsonmasterson