Is being “healthy” becoming a socially constructed idea, or are the basis of one being determined as healthy still related to the physical and mental wellbeing of a person? Whereas certain foods that have been marked as ‘unhealthy’ are still served to the public, enabling many people to “choose their poison.” Would one then say that being healthy is peculiar to individual taste, not a general construct of how one looks? One can indeed be large and still be healthy.
The initial and dependable measurement of an obese human was the BMI (body mass index). However, this type of measurement has been found to have certain flaws since one’s body mass may not be mainly made of fat but of muscles and bones. After further analysis and other body measurements, such a person could be found to be within the normal range of BMI, implying that the person is neither obese, overweight, nor underweight.
A similar concept applies to a person who is slim. Whereas their height and body mass may suggest that such a person is underweight, BMI is not an accurate measurement of body fat and cannot be the only means to draw such conclusions.
When we think of the word “healthy,” we might automatically picture a fit, thin person jogging or eating a salad. However, what does it really mean to be healthy? Is it just about the number on a scale or the absence of physical illness? The concept of “healthy” is actually a socially constructed idea that has evolved over time and varies between cultures and individuals.
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition highlights the fact that health is not just about the absence of illness but also encompasses a person’s emotional and social well-being. However, this definition is not universally accepted, and different cultures may have different definitions of what it means to be healthy.
For example, in some cultures, being overweight is seen as a sign of prosperity and good health. In contrast, in Western cultures, thinness is often associated with being healthy, while obesity is viewed as a sign of laziness or lack of self-control. These differing cultural views can lead to stigmatization and discrimination against people who do not conform to the dominant cultural ideal of what it means to be healthy.
Furthermore, the idea of what it means to be healthy is constantly changing. For example, in the early 20th century, tuberculosis was a leading cause of death in many countries, and being thin was seen as a sign of ill health. Women, in particular, were encouraged to gain weight to appear healthy and attractive. However, with the advent of antibiotics and better treatments for tuberculosis, the ideal body type shifted towards thinness, and the “thin ideal” became the dominant cultural ideal of beauty and health.
Similarly, the ideal of what constitutes a healthy diet has also changed over time. In the 1950s, the “Four Food Groups” were introduced as a guide to healthy eating, emphasizing the importance of milk, meat, bread, and vegetables. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, the focus shifted towards reducing fat and increasing carbohydrates, leading to the popularity of low-fat diets and high-carbohydrate diets like the “food pyramid.” More recently, the emphasis has shifted towards reducing carbohydrates and increasing protein, with the popularity of diets like the Atkins diet and the paleo diet. These changes in dietary recommendations reflect evolving scientific understanding of nutrition and changing cultural ideals about what constitutes a healthy diet.
The social construction of health can also have negative consequences for marginalized groups. For example, people with disabilities may be stigmatized and communities and work towards a more just and equitable society. To achieve this goal, we must challenge the dominant cultural ideals of what it means to be healthy and strive to create a more inclusive and diverse understanding of health. This includes promoting body positivity and acceptance for all body types, challenging the stigmatization of marginalized groups based on their health status or physical appearance, and advocating for policies and programs that address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, racism, and discrimination.
In addition, we must prioritize mental and emotional well-being as a fundamental aspect of health, recognizing that psychological distress and mental illness are common and can have significant impacts on a person’s overall health and well-being. This means promoting access to mental health services, reducing stigma around mental illness, and creating supportive environments that prioritize emotional and social connections.
In summary, being healthy is a complex and multifaceted concept that is shaped by social, cultural, and historical factors. By recognizing the social construction of health and striving for inclusivity and diversity in our understanding of health, we can promote greater well-being for all individuals and communities and work towards a more just and equitable society.
