Health at Every Size: A Comprehensive Review

Health at Every Size (HAES) is a lifestyle counseling approach that promotes mindful eating and lifestyle behaviors to pursue health and wellness without focusing on weight loss. Developed by the Association for Size Diversity and Health, it addresses weight discrimination and encourages body acceptance. Studies show mixed results compared to weight-focused treatments.

Newcastle, Sep 17 (The Conversation) — Health at Every Size (HAES) is a lifestyle counseling approach aimed at promoting health and wellness through mindful eating and lifestyle behaviors without the primary goal of weight loss.

Initially developed in 2003 and revised in subsequent years, HAES focuses on minimizing weight discrimination, encouraging body acceptance, intuitive eating, and engaging in enjoyable physical activities. It also targets stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with larger bodies in medical settings.

Recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated the efficacy of HAES-based programs. While the findings indicate benefits in reducing susceptibility to hunger, the HAES approach shows no significant advantages over traditional weight-focused treatments in improving other physical health outcomes, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure, or mental well-being.

Despite the mixed results, HAES continues to be integrated into various health practices and guidelines. However, experts caution against taking health advice from diet influencers, urging individuals to seek professional, non-judgmental healthcare instead.

(With inputs from agencies.)