The pillars of health are a classification of the core areas of lifestyle to address for health and wellbeing. Generally these fall under the broad categories of: physical, mental and social health. While achieving weight loss is greater calories-out than calories-in, lasting weight loss is about maximising health and life! Understanding the factors that affect your health holistically, whole person health, is a vital part of the journey.
As ever, please talk to your doctor or medical practitioner most familiar with your medical history before implementing any changes in diet, exercise or lifestyle, especially if you are under treatment. Links to any supporting studies or resources are at the end of page.
The Pillars of Health
There are a number of different definitions of the pillars of health but for simplicity we will use the following from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. As you read down the list, think which ones might affect your health, your weight.
Nutrition
Evidence supports the use of a whole food, plant-predominant diet to prevent, treat and reverse chronic illness.
Physical Activity
Regular, consistent physical activity is an important part of overall health and resiliency.
Stress Management
Managing negative stress can lessen anxiety, depression and immune dysfunction and leads to improved well-being.
Restorative Sleep
Improving sleep quality can improve attention span, mood, insulin resistance and can reduce hunger, sluggishness and more.
Social Connection
Positive social connections have beneficial effects on physical, mental and emotional health.
Avoidance of Risky Substances
Use of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to increase risk of chronic diseases and death.
Everyone is Unique
We all have different and unique lifestyles and experiences. Our personal relationship to the mix, the balance, of the pillars of health is also unique. What do you think affects your health and weight. Almost certainly eating practices. What about your social life, your friends and family? Does your sleep affect your eating habits? What about stress or, not mentioned in the list above, work-life balance?
These are all areas that we explore as part of our health programmes. We have had most success with our clients by first prioritising health. Weight loss comes as a result of healthy living, often a combination of factors being involved. By knowing and understanding our clients as individuals, we work together to find a path to health, to weight loss, that suits their lifestyle. This includes exploring their vision and values, to make sure that their goals and plans are in alignment before they commence with their plans.
Weight loss is complex, there is no one-size-fits all approach. Addressing diet and eating practices is of primary importance but lasting and sustainable weight loss requires an exploration of all the pillars of health. It also requires a personalised plan for the client to put into effect and to be provided support along the way.
Stay Healthy,
Alastair
Achieve your Weight and Health Goals
Your health, physical – mental – social - is complex and affected by multiple factors within and outside of your control. Our consults and programmes address the whole person, the root causes of ill health and maximising your health, performance & vitality.
Take the first step. Contact us to arrange an introductory call, to discuss how we can support your journey to health. We are based in Singapore and work with clients globally.
Book a Whole Health Consult to assess, identify and prioritise key factors (known and unknown) that affect your health. And receive personalised recommendations on how to address them.
Want to put recommendations into action? Learn more about our programmes for individuals or teams.
Resources
Stanford Center on Longevity https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/lifestyle-pillars/