Weight gain vs. health risks, which should you pay more attention to?

Maintaining a healthy weight is important. But focusing too much on the numbers on the scale can sometimes distract from the more important health risks that weight is connected to. So when trying to improve your health, should you pay more attention to actual weight gain or the associated health risks?

There are good arguments on both sides. Here are a few reasons why weight gain itself deserves focus:

• Weight gain is concrete and measurable. You can step on a scale and clearly see a quantitative increase. This makes it easier to set goals and track progress around managing weight.
• Excess weight contributes to nearly all health risks. Carrying extra pounds increases your chances for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. So weight and health risks are inherently connected.
• Weight gain is visual. Seeing and feeling yourself get heavier provides tangible feedback. Appearance can also motivate you to eat healthy and be active to get back on track.

However, the opposing view is that health risks themselves should take priority over weight:

• You can experience health gains without weight loss. Improved diet and exercise habits reduce disease risks, even if they don’t quickly change your weight. Focusing only on pounds misses these internal health gains.
• Weight is just one health metric among many. Looking at leading risk factors like blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol etc. gives a broader picture of health beyond just weight.
• Health risks are more predictive of future problems. Weight is just a risk factor. Actual development of high cholesterol or hypertension signals clearer likelihood of diseases down the road.
• Health risks can be measured and managed. Knowing your numbers allows you to make dietary, fitness and lifestyle changes to reduce risks. This promotes health regardless of hitting certain weight targets.

So where is the right balance? The answer differs for each person. But in most cases, paying attention to both weight gain and health risks is wise. Monitoring your weight acts as an early warning system, while also tracking health metrics digs deeper into what’s happening inside.

Aim for a healthy weight range by eating nutritious whole foods and staying active. Get regular check ups to assess leading health indicators beyond the scale. Don’t ignore small weight gains, but also don’t obsess over temporary fluctuations that can derail your focus on healthy habits. Appreciate that true health depends on a combination of your outer appearance and inner wellbeing.

The most sustainable path forward focuses on balanced nutrition, active lifestyle, adequate sleep and managing stress. This allows your body to stabilize at a comfortable weight while optimizing health from the inside out. Weight gain and health risks go hand in hand, so give both factors the attention they deserve.