In my work at Linked Psychology, I often see the deep psychological toll of a world that equates health with a specific number on the scale. For many, the pursuit of a "perfect" body has become a source of profound distress rather than a path to wellbeing. This is why I practice from a Health at Every Size (HAES) framework.

HAES is not a radical claim that everyone is "healthy" regardless of their size; rather, it is an evidence-based paradigm shift that decouples health from weight (InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, 2025). It suggests that everyone — no matter their shape or size — deserves access to respectful care and the opportunity to pursue health in ways that are sustainable and compassionate (Association for Size Diversity and Health [ASDAH], 2025).

What Exactly is HAES?

At its core, HAES is a weight-neutral approach to health (InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, 2025). Instead of using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a proxy for health, we look at the multifaceted factors that truly influence how we feel. In Australia, HAES is reaffirmed through five core principles:

  • Weight Inclusivity: Accepting and respecting the inherent diversity of body shapes and sizes.
  • Health Enhancement: Supporting policies and practices that improve human wellbeing, focusing on physical, emotional, and social needs.
  • Respectful Care: Actively working to end weight discrimination and bias in healthcare.
  • Eating for Wellbeing: Promoting flexible, individualised eating based on hunger, satiety, and pleasure rather than external rules.
  • Life-Enhancing Movement: Encouraging physical activities that allow people of all abilities to engage in movement they actually enjoy.

The Science: Why Weight Loss is Rarely the Answer

One of the most persistent myths in modern medicine is that weight loss is a sustainable or necessary treatment for health. However, recent systematic reviews and research updates show a different story (Tylka et al., 2026):

1. The Risk of Weight Cycling

Most individuals who attempt weight loss eventually regain it, often leading to weight cycling (yo-yo dieting). Research shows that weight cycling is independently linked to higher risks of cardiovascular disease, chronic inflammation, and type 2 diabetes — risks often unfairly blamed on weight itself (Tylka et al., 2026).

2. Metabolic Markers vs. Weight

Clinical trials have demonstrated that HAES-based interventions can improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose as effectively as weight-loss programs — even when the person's weight does not change (Tylka et al., 2026). This suggests that health behaviours (like joyful movement and balanced eating) are the true drivers of health, not the weight of the body performing them (Tylka et al., 2026).

The Psychological Importance of Weight Neutrality

From a psychological perspective, a weight-centric approach can be actively harmful. Weight stigma — the discrimination and shame directed at higher-weight people — is a major predictor of poor mental health (Pearl, 2025).

Research highlights that internalised weight stigma leads to increased cortisol (the stress hormone), lower self-esteem, and avoidance of healthcare (Pearl, 2025). Interestingly, studies have found that weight stigma, rather than BMI, has the biggest impact on mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety (McGarrity et al., 2025). By adopting HAES, we reduce this stigma, fostering body neutrality and self-compassion, which are foundational for psychological flexibility (Pearl, 2025).

HAES in the Treatment of Eating Disorders

In my private practice, using a HAES framework is vital when working with eating disorders (EDs). Historically, individuals who were not "medically underweight" were often dismissed, leading to delayed treatment for those with "atypical" anorexia or binge eating disorder (InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders, 2025).

A Cornerstone of Recovery

Integrating HAES into ED treatment is transformative because it:

  • Challenges the Thin Ideal: It helps clients move away from restrictive behaviours and the elusive "perfect" body, which often fuel disordered eating.
  • Focuses on Intuitive Eating: We work on re-learning internal hunger and fullness cues, which reduces the risk of binge-purge cycles.
  • Prioritises Nourishment: Therapy shifts from "fixing" the body to fostering a healthy, positive connection with it.

A Practice Rooted in Respect

Choosing a weight-inclusive approach is about more than just being "kind" — it is about providing the most evidence-based, ethical care possible. By focusing on sustainable behaviours and reducing the psychological "tax" of weight stigma, we create a path toward genuine, lasting wellness.

If you are tired of the diet cycle and looking for a more compassionate way to care for yourself, I am here to help you navigate that journey.