According to the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) Health At Every Size is a “framework for care” and  “a holistic definition of health”. They say, health cannot be characterised as the absence of physical or mental illness, limitation, or disease. Rather, health exists on a continuum that varies with time and circumstance for each individual. Health should be conceived as a resource or capacity available to all, regardless of health condition or ability level, and not as an outcome or objective of living. Pursuing health is neither a moral imperative nor an individual obligation. Health status should never be used to judge, oppress, or determine the value of an individual. 

The Principles of Health at Every Size (HAES) are:

WEIGHT INCLUSIVITY

Accept and respect the inherent diversity of body shapes and sizes and reject the idealising or pathologizing of specific weights.

HEALTH ENHANCEMENT

Support health policies that improve and equalise access to information and services, and personal practices that improve human well-being. This includes attention to individual physical, economic, social, spiritual, emotional and other needs.

EATING FOR WELL-BEING

Promote flexible, individualised eating based on hunger, satiety, nutritional needs, and pleasure. This is opposed to any externally regulated eating plan focused on weight control.

RESPECTFUL CARE

Acknowledge our biases, and work to end weight discrimination, weight stigma, and weight bias. Provide information and services from an understanding that socio-economic status, race, gender, sexual orientation, age, and other identities impact weight stigma. Support environments that address these inequities.

LIFE-ENHANCING MOVEMENT

Support physical activities that allow people of all sizes, abilities, and interests to engage in enjoyable movement, to the degree that they choose.

If you now feel more informed about Health At Every Size or would like to know more, please get in touch!