This new year, consider resolutions focused on well-being instead of weight loss

While it’s admirable to invest time and effort into improving one’s health and well-being, it is counterproductive to focus on the number on a scale, our pants size or having defined abs. (Shutterstock)

January is the time of year for setting New Year’s resolutions for self-improvement. For many, these might be health-related — eating better, catching up on sleep, reducing how much they drink, exercising more or losing weight.

The values of diet culture are pervasive and include the celebration of weight loss and body manipulation. And with that often comes pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals and the assumption that thinness always represents good health.