I *love* this post — “The Big Oversight In Our Obesity Conversation” — by Andy Bellati over on Civil Eats regarding the recent JAMA study about obesity and mortality. Here’s the oversight according to Andy:
When our discussions on health center around weight (whether by stressing or minimizing the dangers of gaining it), it is too easy to leave other important factors out of the conversation. …
My biggest concern is that solely focusing on weight (regardless of how positive or negative that focus is) impedes the health movement’s progress. Such a clinical and quantitative frame gives very little thought to – and leaves no room for a conversation about – socio-political and environmental factors that pose a threat to our health (including, but not limited to industry lobbying, Big Food predatory marketing, and misguided agricultural subsidies). Even if the message is “being overweight isn’t bad for your health,” we do know that a highly processed diet (let’s face it, the Standard American Diet) is. There is no doubt that, above all else, the way we eat has tremendous effects on our health.
My diet isn’t as “plant-centric” (aka vegan) as Andy’s, but I am completely with him on the problems with solely focusing on weight as a barometer for health. Please read the whole post … it’s a goodie!
Weight Maven is written by Beth Mazur. Beth believes that obesity is more symptom than cause and that the real problem is our Western diet -- especially sugar, refined grains, and industrial oils. Beth writes about nutrition, ancestral health & food policy. And cats! 
“There is no doubt that, above all else, the way we eat has tremendous effects on our health.”
That’s a bit over the top, isn’t it, Andy?
Only 40% of US premature deaths (and by extension, health) are attributable to “behavioral patterns,” which would include food, but also activity levels, smoking, alcohol and drug use, etc.
Food’s important, but not primary.
-Steve
Reference: http://advancedmediterranean.com/2013/01/08/what-modifiable-factors-contribute-to-premature-death-in-the-us/