Body Goals vs. Heart Goals: A Healthier Approach to Weight Loss

"Learn why healthy weight loss should focus on nutrition, heart health, metabolism, and sustainable lifestyle changes—not just the number on the scale."

ILLUSTRATION. Simple physical activities such as walking or running can be part of a daily routine to maintain physical fitness.

Clinical nutrition specialist Dr. Oqti Rodia from Harapan Kita National Cardiovascular Center said weight management should focus on achieving a healthier condition that can be maintained over the long term.

According to Dr. Oqti, every person has different physical conditions and nutritional needs. Therefore, weight-loss strategies should not be treated as a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Losing weight is often pursued to achieve an ideal body shape. However, maintaining a healthy weight is not only about appearance but also about overall health,” Dr. Oqti Rodia said in a statement in Tangerang on Tuesday.

Excess Weight Should Be Viewed Through Health Risks

Excess body weight can be associated with various cardiometabolic risk factors. For this reason, weight-loss efforts should not focus solely on achieving rapid results.

Programs that place too much emphasis on the number on the scale may overlook the body's nutritional and health needs during the weight-loss process.

For Dr. Oqti, what matters just as much is how the weight is lost—through a healthy, measurable, and sustainable process.

“What matters is not only how many kilograms of weight are lost, but how the process is carried out in a healthy, measurable way that can be maintained over the long term,” Dr. Oqti said.

With this approach, weight management becomes part of a broader lifestyle change rather than simply a pursuit of a specific number on the scale.

Everyone Has Different Nutritional Needs

Nutrition remains an important part of any weight-management program. Individual nutritional needs can vary, meaning an approach that works for one person may not necessarily be appropriate for someone else.

For this reason, a weight-management program should be adjusted according to each person's health condition and individual needs.

The goal should also extend beyond losing weight. Healthier lifestyle habits can help people maintain a healthy weight while supporting heart and metabolic health.

With an appropriate approach, lifestyle changes may also help people manage their daily activities more effectively and maintain healthier habits over the long term.

Body Goals Are Fine, but Heart Goals Matter Too

Wanting to achieve a particular body shape is understandable. However, that goal should not overshadow the importance of overall health.

Dr. Oqti summarizes this idea using the terms body goals and heart goals.

“Wanting to have an ideal body is understandable. However, health should remain the main goal. So, body goals are fine, but heart goals are essential,” she said.

The message places changes in body shape within a broader health context. In other words, success should not be measured only by weight loss, but also by a person's ability to maintain habits that support long-term health.

When Should You Seek Professional Guidance?

People who want to lose weight may consider consulting a healthcare professional, particularly if they have risk factors for heart disease or other medical conditions.

Professional guidance can help determine an approach that is appropriate for an individual's health condition and nutritional needs.

Harapan Kita National Cardiovascular Center also has a Weight Management and Wellness Center, which, according to Dr. Oqti, takes an approach to weight management that considers overall and heart health rather than focusing solely on appearance.

“There is a Weight Management and Wellness Center that takes an approach to weight management that focuses not only on appearance but also on overall health and heart health,” Dr. Oqti said.

Ultimately, losing weight is not simply about reaching a particular number on the scale. A more meaningful approach is one in which weight loss goes hand in hand with meeting nutritional needs, paying attention to heart and metabolic health, and developing healthy habits that can be maintained over the long term.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice about your individual health needs.