This year, body image activist Taryn Brumfitt was named Australian of the Year in recognition of the work she's done to alter the way we think about our bodies. 

Since accepting the award, she says she's been ignoring critics who question whether her campaign is worthy of receiving one of the nation's top accolades. 

Today, Taryn Brumfitt's colleague, Dr Zali Yager, on the harm that can be caused when the focus in messaging is on weight rather than health. 

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Dr Zali Yager, Executive Director, Body Confident Collective and Associate Professor, Victoria University, Melbourne