Health At Every Size (HAES)
We live in a world that seems to be more beauty, fitness, and weight conscious than ever before. Many blame social media and our increasingly digital world, but the reality is that eating disorders have existed long before Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and the Internet came along and influenced public opinion. Nonetheless, it could be that’s it’s far more difficult nowadays to live with—and recover from—an eating disorder. Photos and videos of the latest diets, exercise programs, “lifestyle” guides, and weight loss supplements are broadcasted everywhere and this can be very difficult to process when trying to develop a balanced relationship with food, weight, and body-image.
The Health at Every Size (HAES) Paradigm was created to address the growing gap between what society experiences and what is needed. HAES promotes concepts that support a healthy mindset about eating, weight, and physical appearance standards. It discusses that weight loss should not be considered an indication of health or lack thereof. Individuals with eating disorders are encouraged to set goals that take them towards the eventual ability to eat intuitively, which involves learning to listen to one’s body and view eating as a means of nourishing and energizing the self.
“The Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) affirms a holistic definition of health, which cannot be characterized as simply 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, and health status should never be used to judge, oppress, or determine the value of an individual (www.sizediversityandhealth.org).“
The guidelines discourage diet and weight-related rules, which are highly promoted in the media and are seen as a one-track road (or the only path) towards achieving desirable looks. People with disordered eating concerns should avoid strict labeling of foods as good or bad, as this promotes the all-or-nothing, extreme thinking that characterizes behaviors such as binging and/or restricting food intake.
HAES is so very eye-opening, as the guidelines seem rather common sense, but yet so many people live their lives striving towards culturally dictated rules of physical appearance. It’s no wonder that eating disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction, and other emotional concerns result from societies that value such rules.
HAES supports the importance of people being viewed and judged based on who they are—not based on weight or any physical traits. Promoting this concept is certainly a tall order. We must combat such a strong and influential culture that is highly appearance-focused. However, these guidelines represent the development of a new community; a safe, empathic, and understanding community where people are not judged and can instead seek relief from the strict judgment, stigma, and social pressures that are emotionally draining, particularly for individuals struggling with an eating disorder.
HAES guidelines are not ideals. They are not lofty aspirations or hopes. They are necessary truths and an essential guide for a balanced, more positive, and happier way of life for individuals. We must raise our standards of what is acceptable in terms of the social messages sent to people. Right now, a culture of superficiality is widely accepted, but with the collective efforts of those who understand and value the HAES guidelines, we can promote lasting change. When I opened up my private practice, I realized that the HAES paradigm is what I would like to instill in the work that I do with others. It is in this practice that I have been able to connect with individuals without the barriers of focusing on the physical, but rather being able to shift focus on inner healing. Improved quality of life is something that should be available and accessible to each and every individual, and through a HAES lens, that can truly be achieved.
If you would like to learn more about Health At Every Size (HAES), feel free to contact my office.
After all, the first step to clarity and peace of mind is to #JustBegin
A great resource to get started: