What is Healthism & Why This Health Trend is Problematic

Linking anxiety with chasing perfection

We are fortunate in today’s world to have the ability to examine our lifestyle habits in innovative ways to improve our health from food log apps to smart watches, but is there a dark side to this information? Keep on reading to learn more about healthism, what it is, and tips to maintain a healthy relationship with food and

Healthism Meaning

“Healthism” describes the exaggerated emphasis that:

1) health is largely impacted by our individual decisions and

2) striving for better health is a necessary obligation. While prioritizing health is undoubtedly important, the relentless pursuit of health can have detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole. 

When we think about improving our health, it often starts with initiating a new healthy behaviour that makes us feel empowered! This could look like a new go-to breakfast idea that is rich in nutrients and leaves us energized throughout the day. Next, we might start walking at lunch with a goal to reach 2000 steps. Overtime, the fun new habits become a standard, ingrained into our routine almost unconsciously – awesome right?  

The issue becomes more apparent when the “standard” lacks flexibility. Maybe you are invited for a hearty brunch with friends or have to skip your lunch walk to catch up on work. Often this leads to feelings of guilt and shame as we drift away from our perceived perfection and feel flooded by fear of falling back into old habits. When this distress is associated with the pathological obsession with “eating perfectly” or “eating clean” it is referred to as ‘Orthorexia’ and linked to anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder (1). The prevalence in Canada remains uncertain due to the normalization of the behaviour.  

Healthism promotes a narrow definition of health that operates in black and white thinking – either you are successful in hitting your goals or undisciplined and lack willpower. Ignoring the complexity of individual circumstances often exacerbates mental health issues like anxiety and eating disorders. Health is a balance of multiple aspects of someone’s life and values. It looks different for everyone. 

From a societal standpoint, healthism reinforces systemic inequalities by placing the burden of health on individuals, ignoring socio-economic factors, creating a culture of comparison and fostering insecurity and body dissatisfaction. 

So where is the middle ground? 

Health is beyond physical and mental wellness. It is a holistic concept that also includes social well-being and connection.  

Here are some questions to ask about your health behaviours to avoid healthism:

1. Physical: Does my body feel good after doing this? 
2. Mental: Do my thoughts feel less negative after doing this? 
3. Emotional: Do I feel guilt or shame if I do not do this behaviour? 
4. Social: Do my connections with my environment including my friends, family, work, and hobbies feel maintained after doing this? 
5. Spiritual: Does this behaviour align with my values?  

If the answer is no, maybe an alternative health behaviour could be more appropriate and more sustainable. Working with a Registered Dietitian can help with determining the different avenues to target health including subsidized programs, meal services, free community resources or education.  

If an alternative health behaviour isn’t accessible, then use this as an example of how healthism has its limitations. 

You are not obligated to participate in health behaviours because “health” can be defined differently for different people. By challenging healthism and adopting more inclusive and compassionate approaches to wellness, we can create a healthier and more equitable society for all. 

Steps Forward 

1. Let’s strive to prioritize self-care over self-judgment: Ask yourself “what do I need right now?” Could it be a break, joyful movement, a hug, a healthy meal, a soulful meal? 
2. Cultivate a culture of acceptance and support. Practice empathy when viewing how others support their wellbeing versus physical health. 
3. Advocate for policies and programs that promote health equity in your community.  

Together, we can redefine what it means to be healthy and create a world where everyone can thrive. 

Companies Supporting Health Equity

• Lion Heart Foundation: Works to increase access to best-in-class mental health supports for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety-based mental health challenges by building therapeutic clinical capacity and providing financial subsidies to individuals seeking treatment. 
• Fresh Routes Mobile Grocery: Not-for-profit social enterprise on a mission to make healthy and affordable food accessible to Canadians, especially those who need it the most. 
• Aboriginal Friendship Centre: Remove barriers and empower our urban community through cultural reconnection, programs, services, and access to resources that address the social and economic realities of our people.  
• Arusha Centre: Collectively run, member-supported organization that provides resources and initiatives on social justice and environmental issues. 

Looking to heal your relationship with food and your body? Our experienced team of compassionate nutritionists can help.

Looking to ditch dieting for good, make peace with food and your body, and honor your health and tastebuds without feeling guilt or shame? You’ve come to the right place! At Health Stand we embrace a balanced eating approach. Learn more about our in-person and online nutrition counselling services or contact us at the button below to see how we can help.

See what hundreds of people just like you have to say about our qualified team of dietitians.

Have you checked your employee/insurance health benefits? Many cover Registered Dietitian services!

References:

• Orthorexia and Orthorexia Nervosa: A Comprehensive Examination of Prevalence, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment