Health Goals vs. Weight Loss Goals: What’s the Difference? And Why Does It Matter?

Gabi Meltzer, Registered Dietician, May 2025

What does “health” really mean to you?

Is it a number on a scale? A certain body shape or size? Or is it something more?....

At our practice, we have a weight inclusive approach, recognising that health is about so much more than just weight. Health is a dynamic, whole-person experience that includes your physical well-being, mental health, and social connection. When we talk about health goals with our clients, we take each of these aspects into account. Our goal is to improve client’s relationships with food by focusing on nutrition goals that fit into their lives, remove morality around food choices, build trust in each client’s innate hunger and fullness cues, and emphasise overall health.

Health ≠ Just Weight

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to lose weight. That desire is valid, and we respect each person’s unique goals. BUT, weight loss is often framed as the only path to health or happiness, which is not the reality that we see. Sometimes, weight loss is disguised as “wellness,” but it may suggest rigid control strategies that may be unhealthy or even extreme.

Weight is not a behaviour. And it’s definitely NOT the only, or even the best marker of health.

In our practice, we don’t use weight as a goal or measure of success and we don’t view it as “the solution” to health. Instead, we focus on sustainable, health-promoting behaviours that actually make a difference in how you feel and function in your day-to-day life. 

What Does Real Health Look Like?

Real health can look like:

• Feeling more satisfied and in tune with your hunger and fullness cues

• Experiencing fewer cravings and less food obsession/noise

• Having better digestion, less bloating, and more energy

• Sleeping more soundly and waking up rested

• Moving your body in ways that feel joyful and energising

• Feeling more confident in your choices — not controlled by them

• Nourishing your body with a variety of foods, without guilt

• Living with less stress, more mindfulness, and more connection

  
  

And yes, sometimes, weight loss may be a natural side effect of these positive changes. But it’s never the main focus, and it's never the requirement for health.

Why Do You Want to Lose Weight?

Instead of asking how to lose weight, we encourage clients to explore why they want to. Do you want more energy? To feel more confident in your clothes? To improve your digestion, sleep, fitness, or mood?

Here’s the empowering truth: you don’t need to wait until you hit a “goal weight” to start achieving those WHYs. In fact, the behaviours that help you feel better can start today, without any extreme diets required!

Not All Weight Loss is Healthy

Sure, weight loss can happen from sustainable habits. But it can also happen from unhealthy, even harmful methods like:

• Severely restricting food or cutting out whole food groups

• Over-exercising or exercising to punish yourself

• Ignoring hunger cues or under-fuelling

• Purging or engaging in disordered behaviours

  
  

These behaviours might result in weight loss, but they definitely DON’T make you healthier. In fact, they can increase stress, disrupt metabolism, harm your relationship with food, and damage your physical and emotional well-being.

Health Comes from Your Habits

Here’s an example to consider:

Imagine Person A who is in a “normal” BMI range but:

• Smokes a pack a day

• Binge drinks on weekends

• Gets 4-5 hours of sleep

• Eats very little fruit or veg

• Never exercises

• Feels isolated and lonely

  
  

Now picture another person, Person B whose BMI falls in the “overweight” or “obese” category, but who:

• Moves regularly in enjoyable ways

• Eats a wide variety of colourful, nutrient-rich foods

• Sleeps 7–8 hours most nights

• Drinks plenty of water

• Makes time for rest, friends, and joy

• Doesn’t smoke and enjoys alcohol in moderation

Which one is healthier???........... Weight alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Behaviours do.

In Summary

We’re here to support you. That is, your goals, your wellbeing, and your relationship with food. If weight loss is part of your journey, we will meet you with compassion and curiosity, not judgment. But we’ll always steer the focus back to the sustainable habits, mindset shifts, and small changes that actually improve your life.

Because health isn’t about chasing a number. It’s about how you feel in your body and in your life, starting from TODAY :).

For personalised guidance on finding a more positive relationship with food, exercise, and your body, book a consultation here: https://www.gabimeltzerdietician.com/book-online.