Live Well: Body Diversity

According to the current Health Canada definition, people are considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) is 30 or more. While a useful indicator, the BMI cannot serve as a stand-alone measure. Clinical obesity involves more than what the scale reads, and people with many different body types can be healthy.

The main criterion for health is activity. The Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults suggest that light physical activities, including standing, are as integral to health as vigorous movement. Getting a good night’s sleep is important as well.

Some people may find that their size affects their ability to be as active as they’d like to be. If you need support or suggestions on how to add movement into your life in a safe and comfortable way, reach out to your MFAP for resources from at-home yoga videos to one-on-one counselling. 

You also have supports available through your paramedical coverage, which covers services from a variety of professionals, including Athletic Therapists and Dietitians. Additionally, if these issues are causing you stress—either due to your own self-image concerns, or the effects of fatphobia—you can access short-term counselling through your MFAP, and longer-term therapy through your coverage with Beneva.

Whatever your shape or size, your plan is here to help you be the healthiest you can be.