Health at Every Size ® is an evidence-informed approach that offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional way of thinking about health. There are five core principles of this approach:
Weight inclusivity
Respectful care
Health enhancement
Eating for wellbeing
Life enhancing movement

Weight inclusivity
We know that human bodies naturally come in a diverse range of shapes and sizes. This is something to be embraced, rather than holding up a particular body type as the ‘ideal’ (which changes over time). Making assumptions about someone’s health, personality, intelligence etc. based on their shape or size has the potential to cause them harm. Research tells us that a person’s weight isn’t a reliable indicator of their current or future health. There’s an association between weight and health, but it’s not as ‘black and white’ as people think. Anyone can benefit from seeking support with healthy behaviours, not just people in larger bodies.

This video provides a simple and fun way to understand the problems with making assumptions about someone’s health based on their weight or BMI.

Respectful care
We can minimise the risk of doing further harm by striving to understand the different ways that things like socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender, age etc. impact a person’s health and intersect with experiences of weight stigma. By working to recognise the limitations of your own lived experience and acknowledge the biases you hold, we can be more respectful of someone’s individual experience. Respectful care includes considering way to contribute to creating a more supportive environment.

Health enhancement
The messages that come from health professionals typically focus heavily on physical health. While this is part of your wellbeing, there are other things which are just as important. Consider your mental health too, as well as your broader wellbeing needs, such as spiritual, social, or economic needs. Decision makers should strive for equitable health policies which remove potential barriers to accessing health information and support.

Eating for wellbeing
Food plays an important part of our experience as human beings, and it gives us so much more than just nutrition. When thinking about nutrition and health, consider aiming for pattern of eating which is flexible, guided by your body, and honours the role of food in providing enjoyment and comfort. This is fundamental to non-diet nutrition.

Life enhancing movement
Just like food is about more than nutrition, moving your body is about more than exercise. All bodies – no matter what shape and size – can benefit from movement, if movement is something the person wants to do. Enjoyable movement can be a way to help you feel good, both physically and mentally, and enhance your quality of life. We need health policies which support people of all different shapes and abilities to move their body at the level they want and are able to.