Seems we are still not finished with comments regarding two recent columns on counting calories. Interestingly, these two letters arrived in my inbox on the same day.
Dee V. from Santa Cruz wrote: “I too have found that plain old fashioned counting calories is the easiest and most reliable way to achieve a goal and stay there. I don’t do well with a general intention to just eat less, or not so many sweets, or skip the cocktail. (Tracking calories) may not work for everyone, but it works for me.
Denise Z., a registered dietitian nutritionist in Montana who works with people who struggle with eating disorders and chronic dieting, had a different take: “I was very disappointed in your articles regarding you and your husband’s personal issues regarding weight and choice to focus on calorie counting. This feels very sad to me as you do have a unique opportunity in your column to share evidence-based information around weight and help lessen the guilt and shame so many already feel around food and their bodies. After studying the research, I changed my philosophy to focus on overall positive health behaviors including managing stress, getting adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition and enjoyable movement while at the same time helping people practice grace and compassion in the process. To tell people to cut calories and exercise more does not work. My hope is to see someone with the influence you have to challenge the diet mentality/wellness culture and offer people more hope!”
I certainly agree that counting calories is not a good option for all people and can even be harmful for those with a history of disordered eating or chronic dieting. And yes, healthful habits like sleep and pleasurable physical activity are priorities for all of us at any weight.
I also agree with the 2022 evidence-based guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This document states there is no one exclusive course of action when it comes to weight management and that healthy eating habits — rather than weight loss — may be a better goal for some people.
When weight loss is appropriate and desired, however, these guidelines also state that cutting back on calories may be feasible for some people. These experts also stress that, because there are many factors that affect one’s weight, decreasing calories is just one of many strategies that may help a person safely and effectively lose unwanted pounds.
Nutrition professionals recognize that no two people are alike. That’s why an individualized approach is so important in this sometimes very complicated area of weight management. If my comments about my husband and I sounded like a command for everyone to count calories, that was certainly not my intention.
Barbara Quinn-Intermill is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator affiliated with Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. She is the author of “Quinn-Essential Nutrition” (Westbow Press, 2015). Email her at to [email protected].
