What is ‘health at every size’ lifestyle counselling? How does it compare with weight-focused treatments?

What is ‘Health at Every Size’ Lifestyle Counselling? How Does it Compare with Weight-Focused Treatments?

Introduction

Health at Every Size (HAES) is a lifestyle counselling approach that focuses on mindful eating and lifestyle behaviors to promote health and wellness, without emphasizing weight loss. The approach acknowledges that weight loss is a beneficial side effect, rather than a primary goal.

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History and Principles of HAES

The Association for Size Diversity and Health first developed the HAES approach in 2003 and revised it in 2013 and 2024. The current core principles of HAES promote:

• Minimizing weight discrimination
• Encouraging body acceptance
• Intuitive eating
• Enjoyable physical activities

Addressing Stigma and Discrimination

HAES aims to address the stigma and discrimination that people in larger bodies may experience when seeking medical care. This approach recognizes that weight is not a reliable indicator of health and promotes a non-judgmental and respectful environment.

Comparison with Weight-Focused Treatments

HAES has been compared to conventional weight loss programs, waiting list controls, and social support groups in numerous studies. Our systematic review and meta-analysis of HAES-based programs found that HAES interventions were beneficial in reducing susceptibility to hunger more than other approaches.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

When improving your health is a treatment goal, a good place to start your journey is to have a health check-up with your doctor and assess your relationship with food. A healthy relationship with food means being able to eat appropriate amounts and variety of foods to meet your nutritional, health, and wellbeing goals. This may involve strategies such as keeping a food mood diary, reflecting on factors that influence your eating, practicing mindful eating, learning about nutrient needs, and focusing on food enjoyment.

What if Your Goal is Weight Loss?

When it comes to medical nutrition therapy to treat weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, the approach will depend on individual needs and expectations. There are three graded energy intake target levels: reduced-energy diets, low-energy diets, and very low-energy diets. The aim of a very low-energy diet is to facilitate rapid weight loss when this is essential to improve health acutely, such as poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Such a diet should be used under supervision by your doctor and dietitian.

Conclusion

In conclusion, HAES is a lifestyle counselling approach that promotes health and wellness by focusing on mindful eating and lifestyle behaviors, without emphasizing weight loss. While HAES has been compared to weight-focused treatments, it is essential to consider individual needs and goals when selecting a treatment approach.

FAQs

Q: What is Health at Every Size (HAES)?
A: HAES is a lifestyle counselling approach that promotes health and wellness by focusing on mindful eating and lifestyle behaviors, without emphasizing weight loss.

Q: What are the core principles of HAES?
A: The core principles of HAES promote minimizing weight discrimination, encouraging body acceptance, intuitive eating, and enjoyable physical activities.

Q: Does HAES address stigma and discrimination?
A: Yes, HAES aims to address the stigma and discrimination that people in larger bodies may experience when seeking medical care.

Q: How does HAES compare to weight-focused treatments?
A: HAES has been compared to conventional weight loss programs, waiting list controls, and social support groups in numerous studies. HAES interventions were beneficial in reducing susceptibility to hunger more than other approaches.

Q: What does treatment look like with HAES?
A: Treatment with HAES involves assessing your relationship with food, keeping a food mood diary, reflecting on factors that influence your eating, practicing mindful eating, learning about nutrient needs, and focusing on food enjoyment.

Q: What if my goal is weight loss?
A: If your goal is weight loss, medical nutrition therapy to treat weight-related health conditions, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, may involve a reduced-energy diet, low-energy diet, or very low-energy diet. These diets should be used under supervision by your doctor and dietitian.