The Five Principles of Health at Every Size (HAES)
Health is mistakenly associated with weight, body size, and appearance. We are constantly bombarded with diet culture, outdated medical practices, and unrealistic standards that are detrimental to mental and physical health.
Health at Every Size is a philosophy and movement that challenges the predominant outdated, dangerous, and boring understanding of health. HAES emphasizes well-being instead of weight or size.
The HAES approach is rooted in five core principles:
Weight Inclusivity: HAES recognizes that people of all body sizes and shapes can pursue health and well-being. At the hands of many healthcare providers, most people in larger bodies have repeated experiences of shame and blame. Choosing a therapist and other healthcare providers who are HAES-aligned will not only provide access to the care you need in the present, but will also begin to address the harm you’ve experienced in the past.
Health Enhancement: HAES focuses on promoting and supporting health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of nourishing your body, being active in ways that feel good, and engaging in self-care practices. Uncoupling these behaviors from diet culture can be challenging. Having the support of a HAES therapist can assist you with making choices that align with your needs, wants, and hopes for your life and your body.
Respectful Care: HAES advocates for compassionate, non-judgmental, and client-centered healthcare free from weight bias. The damage that results from sizeism within medicine cannot be understated. You deserve a therapist who can acknowledge and account for the harm you’ve experienced and be with you in your physical and psychological needs.
Eating for Well-Being: HAES encourages mindful eating and emphasizes the importance of internal cues for hunger and fullness. This approach pairs well with the principles of Intuitive Eating and Gentle Nutrition. Just reading the words mindful eating, hunger, and food can trigger shame. Alongside a HAES-aligned and body-liberationist therapist, you can begin to move through the harmful impact of diet culture. You can move toward empowered experiences with food and body.
Movement: HAES promotes physical activities that are enjoyable and sustainable, rather than focusing on strenuous, punitive exercise routines. When body movement has been a topic of guilt, shame, and blame, finding movement that feels safe or enjoyable can be challenging. In addition to therapy being a space to find supportive movement, therapy is also a space to find acceptance of the stillness our bodies need for restoration.
If you have been struggling with body acceptance, eating, or movement and would like the support of a Health at Every Size therapist, please reach out. You deserve to feel peace within your body.
