A Holistic Approach to Well-being
3 Ways to Embrace the Power of Health at Every Size
I WAS SKEPTICAL when I first heard the term Health at Every Size (HAES). During my health coaching training, I could not escape the message that a person's weight determines their health. However, I have learned that this needs to be corrected and can cause more harm than good.Â
Research has shown that when healthcare providers only consider weight, body size, and body mass index (BMI) when assessing health, it can lead to ineffective treatments and result in serious health problems going unnoticed (Falk, 2021). I experienced this firsthand before getting my autoimmune diagnosis when my doctor was far more concerned about my BMI than the early symptoms of my autoimmune condition. Considering BMI was developed in the 19th century by a Belgian statistician from a pool of White European men, utilizing this as a tool to measure the health of all people has contributed to adverse health outcomes (Haynie et al., 2023). Hence, HAES is a concept that is essential for the well-being of all individuals, especially those within the Black community.
Understanding the Philosophy of Health at Every Size
At its core, HAES rejects the idea that body size determines health. It recognizes that true well-being extends far beyond numbers on a scale. HAES encourages us to shift our focus towards holistic health, incorporating physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being.
By embracing the principles of HAES, we foster a culture of inclusivity and support, creating an environment where individuals of all sizes feel respected and acknowledged. This philosophy reminds us that each body is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health. It calls for a celebration of diversity and the appreciation of the inherent worth of every individual.
Challenging Traditional Approaches to HealthcareÂ
In healthcare, traditional approaches to assessing health revolve around weight-centric perspectives, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and beauty standards. These approaches have particularly impacted the Black community, leading to unmet medical needs and disparities in healthcare access.
As health coaches, we must recognize the urgency to address these issues and challenge the status quo. HAES offers a refreshing perspective on holistic well-being rather than body size or weight. Further, it challenges the notion that external appearance can accurately determine health. This philosophy encourages us to move beyond weight-centric metrics and embrace a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to healthcare.
3 Ways to Promote Well-being through Health at Every Size
Embracing a HAES mindset can transform overall well-being, promoting a positive relationship with one's body, food, and exercise. As health coaches, we are privileged to guide our clients toward holistic health rooted in self-acceptance and self-care. Here are three powerful ways to promote well-being through HAES:
1. Embrace Body Acceptance
The powerful notion of body acceptance is at the heart of HAES. It encourages individuals to embrace their bodies with compassion and appreciation, regardless of their size or shape. As health coaches, we play a vital role in fostering body acceptance among our clients.
By creating a safe and non-judgmental space, we can help individuals challenge harmful societal beauty standards and let go of negative self-perceptions. Body acceptance allows clients to cultivate a positive body image and develop a healthier relationship with themselves, promoting mental well-being and self-esteem.
2. Prioritize Self-Care Practices
Encouraging self-care practices is essential in promoting overall well-being through HAES. Our clients should understand that self-care goes beyond superficial indulgences; it is integral to maintaining good health and fulfilling life.
As health coaches, we can guide individuals to explore self-care activities that align with their unique preferences and needs. These practices include mindfulness exercises, journaling, or simply setting aside time for relaxation. Prioritizing self-care enhances resilience, reduces stress, and fosters a positive outlook on life.
3. Cultivate a Positive Relationship with Food and Exercise
HAES encourages a positive and intuitive approach to both food and exercise. Instead of focusing on restrictive diets or punishing workouts, we can guide our clients to listen to their bodies cues and make choices that promote nourishment and joy.
Promoting a healthy relationship with food involves letting go of guilt and embracing all foods without judgment. We can educate clients about mindful eating, intuitive eating, and savoring each eating experience. Similarly, encouraging enjoyable and sustainable forms of movement can help clients develop a positive relationship with exercise. This approach shifts the focus from achieving specific body goals to embracing physical activities that bring pleasure and vitality.
Thus, promoting well-being through HAES empowers individuals to embrace a more compassionate and holistic approach to health. As health coaches, we can be pivotal in guiding our clients toward body acceptance, prioritizing self-care practices, and cultivating positive relationships with food and exercise.
By incorporating these transformative tips into our coaching approach, we can help individuals thrive in their journey toward well-being, regardless of their body size or shape. Let us continue championing HAES and supporting our clients in embracing a life of vitality, self-love, and fulfillment. Doing so can create a healthier and more inclusive world for all.
Reference
Falk, M. (2021, November 5). The 'Health at Every Size' approach to health care is aiming to put an end to weight stigma. Shape. https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/health-at-every-size-haes
Haynie, Jeannette Gaudry, Joslyn Fleming, Alicia Revitsky Locker, and Alice Shih, Impacts of Marine Corps Body Composition and Military Appearance Program (BCMAP) Standards on Individual Outcomes and Talent Management, RAND Corporation, RR-A1189-1, 2022. As of January 11, 2023: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1189-1.html