Rethinking weight: Finding self-compassion for ‘weight management’

Conventional weight management approaches emphasize engaging in health behaviours, such as healthy eating and physical activity, to control body weight and promote favourable health outcomes (e.g., lower blood pressure). However, weight management is a multi-faceted, complex process influenced by numerous factors that limit the impact of behaviour change on weight. Self-compassion, treating oneself kindly in times of increased distress or difficulty, may offer a way for individuals to cope with the challenges of managing weight. The objectives of this perspective paper are threefold: (1) to conceptualize weight management, (2) to describe the problem that arises when focusing solely on weight loss, and (3) to explore the theoretical rationale for integrating self-compassion into weight management interventions. To support individual health and well-being, there is a need to reframe measures of success and provide innovative ways to cope with the challenges of managing body weight. Continued research is needed to investigate whether self-compassion can support health outcomes for those with weight management goals. This manuscript provides a proposed research agenda and implications for future practice.