Health At Every Size
Bubble
Ideological
Health At Every Size (HAES) is a movement and active community advocating for body inclusivity and weight-neutral approaches to health ...Show more
Health At Every Size
Bubble
Ideological
Health At Every Size (HAES) is a movement and active community advocating for body inclusivity and weight-neutral approaches to health and well-being.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
15K
Popularity
Low
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
General Q&A
Health At Every Size (HAES) advocates for a weight-neutral, inclusive approach to health, prioritizing body diversity and well-being over weight loss or BMI targets.
Community Q&A
Health At Every Size (HAES) advocates for a weight-neutral, inclusive approach to health, prioritizing body diversity and well-being over weight loss or BMI targets.
People connect through online forums, social media, annual events like the ASDAH conference, and collaboration on advocacy and research projects.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Weight Politics
Polarization FactorsInsiders navigate complex tensions with mainstream health culture, fiercely rejecting 'weight loss as health' narratives while embracing policies that combat weight stigma without denying health concerns.
Intersectional Care
Social NormsHAES members prioritize intersecting identities like race, gender, and disability to ensure health equity, reflecting a unique norm of embedding social justice deeply in health discussions.
Evidence Activism
Hidden InfluencesThe community values rigorous research targeting flawed metrics like BMI while actively combating misinformation, blending activism and science to legitimize weight-neutral health models.
Embodied Identity
Identity MarkersBeing part of HAES signals a shared lived experience with body diversity and rejection of diet culture, creating a strong insider identity that integrates personal and political empowerment.
Sub Groups
HAES Professionals
Dietitians, therapists, and healthcare providers advocating for weight-neutral care.
Body Positivity Advocates
Individuals and influencers promoting self-acceptance and challenging weight stigma.
Academic & Research Groups
Scholars and students studying HAES principles and their impact on health policy.
Peer Support Groups
Community-led groups offering mutual support and sharing lived experiences.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 4
Instagram
22%Instagram is a major hub for HAES advocates, professionals, and influencers sharing body-positive content, personal stories, and educational resources.
Reddit
15%Reddit hosts active HAES and body positivity subreddits where members discuss experiences, share research, and offer support.
Facebook
13%Facebook groups provide private, supportive spaces for HAES discussions, peer support, and organizing local events.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
Discover Similar Bubbles
Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Inside Jokes
"Counting calories? Count me out."
A humorous way insiders express disdain for calorie counting as a diet culture practice, highlighting HAES preference for intuitive, non-restrictive eating methods.
Facts & Sayings
„Weight stigma“
Refers to prejudice and discrimination directed at individuals because of their body weight. It's a central concept highlighting how societal bias negatively impacts health and well-being beyond physical factors.
„Diet culture“
A pervasive societal system that values thinness and weight loss above health, often promoting restrictive eating and body shaming. HAES insiders actively critique and resist this culture.
„Set point theory“
The idea that each person has a genetically determined, biologically regulated weight range their body tries to maintain. HAES uses this concept to argue against forced weight loss as an effective or sustainable goal.
„Intuitive eating“
An approach to eating based on physical hunger and satiety cues rather than external diet rules. It is a cornerstone practice encouraged within HAES for fostering a healthy relationship with food.
„Body positivity“
An affirmative attitude towards all body shapes and sizes, emphasizing self-acceptance and challenging harmful beauty standards. HAES embraces this but often distinguishes itself by focusing also on health behaviors independently of size.
Unwritten Rules
Avoid discussing weight or numbers unless prompted by an individual.
This respects personal boundaries and counters common social focus on weight, fostering inclusive and non-judgmental interactions.
Use person-first language such as 'person with obesity' rather than labels that define by body size.
This language emphasizes humanity and reduces stigma, supporting dignity and respect in communication.
Challenge diet culture references assertively but respectfully in discussions.
Advocates balance assertive promotion of HAES principles with inclusive dialogue to educate without alienating newcomers.
Center intersectionality and understand how race, gender, and disability shape experiences in size acceptance.
Recognizing diverse experiences is crucial to HAES’s commitment to social justice and fully inclusive health discussions.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Maya, 28
NutritionistfemaleMaya is a certified nutritionist who embraces the HAES philosophy, helping clients focus on holistic well-being beyond weight loss.
InclusivityEmpathyHolistic health
Motivations
- Promoting body inclusivity and self-acceptance
- Educating others about weight-neutral health approaches
- Supporting clients in sustainable lifestyle changes
Challenges
- Facing societal stigma against larger bodies
- Overcoming medical community biases
- Balancing professional advice with HAES principles
Platforms
Online forums dedicated to HAESProfessional social media groupsLocal wellness workshops
weight-neutralintuitive eatingbody positivity
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
1 / 3
People
1 / 3
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 3-4 weeks
1
Read HAES Foundational Texts
3-5 hoursBasic
Summary: Start by reading key HAES literature to understand core principles and philosophy.
Details: Begin your journey by engaging directly with foundational Health At Every Size literature. This includes books, manifestos, and peer-reviewed articles that outline the movement’s philosophy, such as body inclusivity, weight-neutral health care, and the critique of diet culture. Approach this step by setting aside dedicated reading time and taking notes on core concepts. Beginners often struggle with unlearning ingrained weight-centric beliefs; be patient and allow yourself to question and reflect. Use annotation techniques or journaling to track your evolving understanding. This step is crucial because it grounds you in the movement’s values and language, ensuring you engage authentically with the community. Evaluate your progress by your ability to summarize HAES principles and articulate how they differ from mainstream health narratives.
2
Follow HAES-Aligned Voices Online
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Identify and follow HAES practitioners, activists, and organizations on social media platforms.
Details: Actively seek out and follow HAES-aligned professionals, activists, and organizations on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and blogs. Look for those who self-identify with HAES and regularly discuss body inclusivity, weight stigma, and weight-neutral health. Beginners may feel overwhelmed by the volume of content or unsure who is credible—focus on accounts cited by HAES literature or recommended in community forums. Engage by reading posts, watching stories, and noting recurring themes or terminology. This step is vital for immersing yourself in the ongoing conversation, staying updated on current issues, and observing how principles are applied in real life. Progress can be measured by your ability to recognize HAES-aligned perspectives and distinguish them from weight-centric content.
3
Join HAES Community Discussions
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Participate in online forums or local groups to discuss HAES topics and share experiences.
Details: Find and join online forums, Facebook groups, or local meetups dedicated to HAES. Introduce yourself, read community guidelines, and start by observing discussions. When comfortable, contribute by asking questions or sharing your reflections on readings. Beginners sometimes hesitate to participate due to fear of saying the wrong thing; remember that respectful curiosity is welcomed. Use active listening and open-ended questions to deepen your understanding. This step is important for building connections, gaining support, and learning from diverse experiences within the movement. Assess your progress by your comfort in contributing and the feedback you receive from established members.
1
Read HAES Foundational Texts
3-5 hoursBasic
Summary: Start by reading key HAES literature to understand core principles and philosophy.
Details: Begin your journey by engaging directly with foundational Health At Every Size literature. This includes books, manifestos, and peer-reviewed articles that outline the movement’s philosophy, such as body inclusivity, weight-neutral health care, and the critique of diet culture. Approach this step by setting aside dedicated reading time and taking notes on core concepts. Beginners often struggle with unlearning ingrained weight-centric beliefs; be patient and allow yourself to question and reflect. Use annotation techniques or journaling to track your evolving understanding. This step is crucial because it grounds you in the movement’s values and language, ensuring you engage authentically with the community. Evaluate your progress by your ability to summarize HAES principles and articulate how they differ from mainstream health narratives.
2
Follow HAES-Aligned Voices Online
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Identify and follow HAES practitioners, activists, and organizations on social media platforms.
Details: Actively seek out and follow HAES-aligned professionals, activists, and organizations on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and blogs. Look for those who self-identify with HAES and regularly discuss body inclusivity, weight stigma, and weight-neutral health. Beginners may feel overwhelmed by the volume of content or unsure who is credible—focus on accounts cited by HAES literature or recommended in community forums. Engage by reading posts, watching stories, and noting recurring themes or terminology. This step is vital for immersing yourself in the ongoing conversation, staying updated on current issues, and observing how principles are applied in real life. Progress can be measured by your ability to recognize HAES-aligned perspectives and distinguish them from weight-centric content.
3
Join HAES Community Discussions
1-2 weeks (ongoing)Intermediate
Summary: Participate in online forums or local groups to discuss HAES topics and share experiences.
Details: Find and join online forums, Facebook groups, or local meetups dedicated to HAES. Introduce yourself, read community guidelines, and start by observing discussions. When comfortable, contribute by asking questions or sharing your reflections on readings. Beginners sometimes hesitate to participate due to fear of saying the wrong thing; remember that respectful curiosity is welcomed. Use active listening and open-ended questions to deepen your understanding. This step is important for building connections, gaining support, and learning from diverse experiences within the movement. Assess your progress by your comfort in contributing and the feedback you receive from established members.
4
Reflect on Personal Health Beliefs
2-4 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Critically examine your own beliefs about weight, health, and body image through journaling or guided exercises.
Details: Set aside time to reflect on your personal attitudes toward weight, health, and body image. Use journaling prompts or guided self-reflection exercises found in HAES resources. Beginners may find it challenging to confront internalized biases or discomfort with new perspectives. Approach this step with honesty and self-compassion, recognizing that unlearning takes time. Techniques such as free writing, mind mapping, or discussing with a trusted peer can help process complex emotions. This reflection is essential for aligning your actions with HAES values and for authentic engagement in the community. Progress is evident when you can identify shifts in your thinking and articulate how your beliefs are evolving.
5
Engage with HAES-Aligned Professionals
2-5 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Consult with or observe HAES-informed health professionals to see weight-neutral care in practice.
Details: Seek out HAES-informed dietitians, therapists, or fitness professionals—either by booking a consultation, attending webinars, or watching interviews. If direct access isn’t possible, observe case studies or recorded sessions shared by professionals. Beginners may feel nervous about reaching out or unsure how to identify HAES alignment; look for practitioners who explicitly state their HAES approach and are recommended in community spaces. Prepare questions about weight-neutral care and observe how these professionals address health without focusing on weight. This step is crucial for understanding practical applications of HAES and for modeling your own approach to health. Evaluate your progress by your ability to recognize HAES-consistent practices and by your comfort in discussing weight-neutral health care.
Welcoming Practices
„Introducing newcomers to key HAES terminology and framing it positively.“
This helps orient new members quickly to community values and builds shared language for respectful discussion.
„Inviting new members to participate in online support groups and conferences.“
This fosters connection, access to knowledge, and a sense of belonging within the community.
Beginner Mistakes
Using weight-centric language or metrics inadvertently.
Learn common HAES terminology and avoid emphasizing weight or body measurements without context.
Assuming HAES opposes all healthcare interventions related to weight.
Understand that HAES supports health improvements focusing on behaviors and well-being, not weight as sole metric.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American HAES communities tend to emphasize activism against diet culture given the strong commercial diet industry presence in the region.
Europe
European groups sometimes integrate HAES concepts with broader public health and social welfare models emphasizing systemic health equity.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
HAES means endorsing unhealthy lifestyles or ignoring health concerns.
Reality
HAES promotes health behaviors focusing on well-being regardless of weight and opposes harmful weight-centric measures, not health itself.
Misconception #2
HAES advocates for weight gain or obesity.
Reality
HAES supports body acceptance and diversity, not a specific weight goal; it respects individual body diversity and health indicators beyond size.
Misconception #3
HAES is just about body positivity.
Reality
While related, HAES emphasizes evidence-based weight-neutral health practices and social justice in healthcare, extending beyond only positive attitudes about appearance.
Clothing & Styles
HAES conference badges or apparel
Worn at community events to signal participation and solidarity; often feature slogans or logos that reject diet culture or promote body diversity.
