Contrary to what many people believe, eating disorders are not always about body image, nor are sufferers always driven by a desire to be thin. Eating disorders are complex, biopsychosocial illnesses. They affect people of all shapes and sizes, which is why Health At Every Size® (HAES) plays an important role in proper treatment. This approach focuses on weight inclusivity and the belief that health care must be accessible to patients no matter their body size. In fact, there are “healthy” and “unhealthy” people of all sizes. In the United States, our society tends to normalize thin bodies, which leads to weight bias and fatphobic attitudes.

Weight Bias in Health Care Providers 

Unfortunately, it is common for health care providers to believe weight stigmas, often thinking that obesity is the result of neglect and laziness. These beliefs lead people struggling with obesity to avoid seeking care due to the poorer quality care they often receive. Some providers refuse medications, physical therapy, and even surgery to patients until they lose weight.

Many providers encourage patients to lose weight, which can actually be detrimental to their health. Research shows that diets fail over and over again. While people who purposefully lose weight often keep it off for six months to a year, they eventually regain it back, sometimes even more. Plus, one study revealed that overweight women who intentionally lost 15 percent or more of their body weight were over two times higher risk of death compared to individuals who maintained a stable weight. 

Understanding Health At Every Size

The basic premise of HAES, as outlined in Lindo Bacon’s book Health at Every Size: The Surprising Truth About Your Weight, is the belief that healthy habits and general wellbeing are more important than any number on the scale. In other words, your body size may not have an impact on your overall health!

Below, let’s consider six principles that you can adopt in your everyday life. Thanks to these ideas, individuals have a framework to use as they focus on health without a focus on weight or weight loss.

1. Accept and love your body size. Self-compassion allows you to move forward and make positive changes.

2. Trust your body. You have internal systems in place to keep you healthy. Support these systems by honoring cues of hunger and fullness (i.e. eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full). 

3. Move your body! Find joy in this movement.

4. Stay mindful while eating. Tailor your tastes for nutritious yet satisfying food.

5. Practice healthy habits. Look for your purpose in life. Foster connection with others. When you fulfill your emotional, social, and spiritual needs, it’s easier to put food in its rightful place as a source of nourishment. 

6. Embrace size diversity! Humans come in all shapes and sizes. Look for beauty in others.

Remember: Your “ideal” body weight is the weight that makes you feel strong and energetic and lets you live a healthy and full life.

Discover the possibility of living a meaningful life. Discover the possibility of recovery. Reach out to Dr. Benaaz Russell, PsyD, CEDS-S, today to schedule an appointment!