By: Molly Sandgren, Family Nurse Practitioner, Christie Clinic
Health At Every Size (HAES) is a growing paradigm shift in the healthcare community. At first, it can seem counterintuitive. Traditional medical approaches to weight include thinking of obesity as a disease that alone will increase the risk of disability and death. The consensus is if one loses weight, then diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other chronic diseases will improve. HAES proposes that weight is not an independent indicator of health. What does this mean? It means that you can’t look at someone and know if they are healthy or not based solely on weight. People can engage in healthy behaviors, such as exercise, drinking water, eating whole foods, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and still come in all shapes and sizes.
As a HAES provider, I believe in the following:
- Weight Inclusivity
People come in all shapes and sizes. When I talk with my patients or my family about health, the conversations revolve around health behaviors, not the scale.
- Health Enhancement
Going to the gym, going for walks, eating more fruits and vegetables, and drinking more water are all behaviors that positively impact your health.
- Eating for Well-Being
It is important to pay attention to what we put in our bodies. We know we feel better when we have whole foods and water and limit processed foods, soda and alcohol. So many of us have stopped listening to our hunger and fullness cues. Social connections like birthdays and holidays will still occur, just be mindful how much and how often you indulge. Moderation is always key.
- Respectful Care
Every person deserves care and respect. My job as a healthcare provider is to support and advise people as they make health decisions. We should respect one another (and our own bodies) regardless of shape or size.
- Life-Enhancing Movement
Our bodies are meant to be moved! What I do for exercise does not have to be what you do for exercise. Body weight or shape does not need to hold you back. Whatever you choose to do movement-wise, do it and enjoy it.
As I have learned and studied the Healthy At Every Size principles, it has made me a better provider, mother, and person. In some ways, it really is a different way of looking at the same thing we already know: that body movement, healthy eating, connection with others, and healthy and safe communities can lead to healthier people.
