A note on healthism & the social determinants of health

Society, the media, and diet culture often push the idea that to be “healthy,” you have to look, eat, & live in specific ways. And if you can’t achieve those things, you are less of a person.

But true health varies for each person, and many of these so-called "healthy" standards are neither genuinely beneficial nor sustainable or accessible for everyone.

When we talk about health factors & outcomes it is so important to understand that health is not solely defined by diet and exercise. 

The determinants of health: True health involves access to & quality of care, education, family & social support, relationships, mental & physical health, income, perceived safety, food security, and so much more.  

Diet & exercise actually contribute to less than 30% of health outcomes. Yes that’s correct, less than 30%!!! Understanding and addressing the broader spectrum of factors influencing health is essential for a comprehensive approach to well-being.

Having access to food, feeling safe with food, and having an emotionally healthy relationship with food, is more important than what you eat.

So, what do we do? We reject these narrow definitions and redefine health on our own terms. We ask ourselves what works best for ourselves and for our families and we do that. 

Written by Margo White, your Melbourne-based neurodiversity affirming Certified Practicing Nutritionist and Neurodivergent advocate.

This article is intended as general advice only and does not replace medical advice. It is recommended that you seek personalised advice specific to your individual needs.

References:

https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/health-outcomes

https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/determinants-of-health