Health at Every Size (HAES) is a framework of care rooted in the belief that everyone deserves respectful, compassionate, and comprehensive healthcare regardless of body size. Rather than focusing on weight as a measure of health, HAES centers dignity, autonomy, and well-being. Edmonton-based Registered Psychologist, Selena Arcovio, discusses the Health at Every Size Framework and its use in therapy.
At its core, HAES recognizes that health is complex. Our well-being is shaped by many factors, including genetics, life experiences, access to healthcare, social support, stress, environment, and systemic inequities. Body size alone cannot capture this complexity. When healthcare relies too heavily on weight, people are often left feeling judged, dismissed, or unheard.
A HAES-informed approach prioritizes body respect and body autonomy. This means honouring that each person is the expert on their own body and deserves care from professionals who listen, collaborate, and respond without shame or judgment. It also means acknowledging the real harm caused by weight stigma. This is not just emotional harm, but physical harm. When people delay care, avoid appointments, or are denied appropriate treatment due to bias, it can lead to negative health outcomes.
Compassionate care is a central value of HAES. When we are met with understanding rather than judgment, it becomes easier to care for ourselves. Shame often creates distance from our bodies; compassion helps rebuild trust. People are better able to engage in behaviours that support their well-being when they are coming from a place of compassion and respect.
HAES also emphasizes equitable access to healthcare. Everyone deserves quality care that addresses their concerns fully, not care that is reduced to assumptions about weight or size. A weight-inclusive approach works to remove physical and mental barriers so that healthcare can truly serve the whole person.
In therapy, a HAES-aligned perspective supports conversations about wellbeing that are grounded in curiosity, collaboration, and respect. It invites us to move away from external rules or judgments and toward a more compassionate relationship with our bodies and ourselves.
If this resonates with you or someone you care about, support is available. Reaching out can be the first gentle step.
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