What Is Health at Every Size (HAES)? A Compassionate Approach to Real Well-Being
If you’ve ever walked into a doctor’s office bracing yourself for comments about your weight…
If you’ve skipped the gym or activities you love because you fear being judged…
If you’re trying to take care of your health but feel defeated by the number on the scale…
You are not alone. And you deserve better.
At Transformation Counseling and Wellness, we use a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach because we believe your worth and health are not defined by your body size. HAES offers a compassionate, science-backed alternative to traditional weight-focused models and helps you build a healthier, more peaceful relationship with food, movement, and your body.
What Is Health at Every Size (HAES)?
Health at Every Size is a weight-inclusive philosophy that promotes well-being through sustainable, enjoyable behaviors rather than focusing on weight loss. It values body diversity, challenges harmful societal messages, and provides a path toward health without shame or restriction.
HAES is built on five core principles:
1. Weight Inclusivity
People come in different shapes and sizes, and all bodies are worthy of care and respect. HAES recognizes that health cannot be measured by a single number.
2. Health Enhancement
Rather than fixating on weight, HAES focuses on health-promoting behaviors that support physical and emotional well-being. Research shows these behaviors can improve blood pressure, cholesterol, mood, and more (with or without weight change).
3. Respectful Care
You deserve medical and mental health care that doesn’t shame or stereotype you. HAES advocates for reducing weight stigma, which research shows is far more harmful than simply living in a larger body.
4. Eating for Well-Being
Instead of restrictive dieting, HAES encourages intuitive, flexible eating based on hunger, satisfaction, nutritional needs, and pleasure.
5. Life-Enhancing Movement
Movement should feel supportive and enjoyable. Not punishing. HAES promotes physical activity that fits your body, lifestyle, and interests.
Why HAES Matters
Many people mistakenly believe HAES is “anti-health” or “anti-weight loss,” but that’s not true. HAES simply shifts the focus from fixing your body to supporting your body.
It helps people:
Break free from chronic dieting
Reduce shame and guilt around food
Improve emotional and physical health
Build a more trusting relationship with their body
Experience movement that feels joyful instead of forced
Reduce anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction
HAES also challenges the long-standing belief that weight equals health, a belief that often leads to trauma, avoidance of medical care, and disordered eating.
Does HAES Have Critics?
Yes, and many of the critiques come from misconceptions.
Some worry HAES discourages healthy habits or ignores medical concerns. But HAES encourages more health-promoting behaviors, not fewer. Others question its evidence base, yet research continues to show that a weight-inclusive model often leads to better long-term outcomes than traditional weight-loss approaches.
At Transformation Counseling and Wellness, we see the impact firsthand:
When people feel respected, safe, and supported, they take better care of their health.
Our HAES Approach at Transformation Counseling and Wellness
We follow a HAES-aligned approach because:
Weight stigma is often more harmful than body size itself.
Behavioral change (not weight change) truly improves health.
You deserve compassionate, judgment-free care.
We look at you as a whole person (your sleep, stress levels, relationships, movement, nourishment, values, and emotional well-being) not just a number on a scale.
If you’re engaging in joyful movement, eating in a way that supports your body, nurturing meaningful relationships, and caring for your emotional health, your body will function better regardless of size.
If You’re Struggling With Eating, Body Image, or Shame - You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Whether you’re dealing with:
Eating disorders
Disordered eating
Body image concerns
Anxiety or perfectionism about food or weight
Shame around movement or self-care
…there is a compassionate path forward.
If you’re seeking HAES-aligned therapy in Wisconsin or Florida, we would be honored to walk alongside you.
Reach out or book an appointment today and begin building a healthier, more peaceful relationship with your body.
