6 Factors That Affect Health Separate from Body Size or Weight

When weight loss is the only goal for a personal training client, it’s natural for them to focus solely on the number on the scale. It’s a common misconception that a person’s weight is a direct reflection of one’s health or defines what “healthy” is. There are other influential factors that affect health besides what we can see with our eyes.

As fitness professionals, we have a duty to educate our clients about the all-encompassing nature of health and help them redefine health by those parameters instead of a singular component.

6 Factors That May Affect Health

Genetics

A client’s genetics is a non-modifiable component and one of the most influential factors that may affect health outcomes. They are a blueprint we cannot shift or change, but if, when, and how they are expressed may be triggered by environmental influences.

Genetic factors may even predict how much weight is gained or lost. It is also important to recognize that some genetic disorders exist that affect appetite, metabolism, energy balance, and overall fat distribution. However, genetics only represents a small component of a person’s overall health. Lifestyle is of greater importance (and is modifiable and capable of change). For example, if a client has a predisposition to becoming affected by obesity, it can be influenced by physical activity and a more mindful approach to nutrition.

Stress

Stress is pervasive and is usually a persistent force in a person’s life. How a person recognizes and manages stress has a significant impact on health. Situations of chronic stress can stimulate hunger and consequently individuals are drawn towards “comfort food”. These foods are often mostly energy-dense rather than nutrient-dense. As a result, caloric intake may exceed what is expended. It’s critical that fitness professionals help clients evaluate their daily stress levels and encourage mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques as well as prioritizing downtime on a regular basis.

Sleep

Poor quality sleep on a consistent basis deeply and negatively impacts a person’s health. Consequences of chronic poor sleep include such outcomes as poor mood, lack of energy, inability to focus or process cognitively, higher stress levels, inflammation, and decreased immunity. As a whole, the industry has witnessed a rapid and steady increase in the number of people affected by obesity who also experience inadequate sleep and low sleep quality. While the direct link is not entirely clear, it is possible that the high levels of fatigue impact the desire and energy required to engage in consistent movement and activity.

 

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Nutritional Balance

Nutrition will always be part of the “health equation”. The body needs to be nourished and fueled not just for performance reasons but for general quality of life. However, as professionals, we should avoid attaching the issue of morality to food.  A“this food is bad and this food is good” mentality only serves to generate guilt and shame and does not facilitate sustainable behavior change.

Here, we aren’t just talking about EI (energy intake) and EE (energy expenditure), as metabolism cannot be reduced or summarized by these two variables alone. Yes, a caloric deficit is required for weight loss – but – again – metabolism is complicated. The focus here is to help clients create balance, connect with their meals, and enjoy the foods they consume while practicing portion control and prioritizing nutrient-dense foods.

Movement

For decades, research has demonstrated the value and positive impact regular movement and physical activity have on an individual’s health. We know cardiorespiratory training, resistance, training, and flexibility are all beneficial activities. We also know that health benefits occur across generations and activity benefits those with chronic conditions and limitations. In essence, participating in physical activity outweighs the risks associated with remaining sedentary.

Physical activity and structured exercise not only burn calories but both offer stress reduction, mood elevation, and immune-boosting outcomes. To encourage additional movement (NEAT) outside of structured exercise with clients, encourage them to stand up frequently throughout the day and take regular walking and stretching breaks. This boosts the calories burned from simple movements, which can contribute to total energy expenditure.

Social Support

The presence of social support is a predictor of success with most behavior change, but especially weight loss. As fitness professionals, we can assist our clients in identifying individuals close to them who can provide reinforcement, encouragement, motivation, and support. Additionally, we can work to connect clients with others who might be on a similar journey. Consider how you can help your client expand their network in an effort to better support the client’s progress and goal attainment.

An individual’s health is complex and multifaceted but thanks to the diet industry, many still believe that a person’s health is tied directly and completely to their size and/or weight. It’s simply not true. Body size and weight are not the primary predictors of health. As exercise professionals, we must do our part to change that rhetoric and teach our clients about the many factors that influence lifelong health and well-being.

 

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