What is HAES?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of your size found by taking your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared: BMI = kg/m2 

Recent studies have shown that BMI alone is not an accurate depiction of overall health. This is because it does not take into account gender, race, ethnicity, age, or body composition (% of water, protein, fat and mineral in the body). As one can see, there are a lot of variables to consider. To paint a visual, this means that someone who is very muscular or pregnant would most likely be categorized as overweight. In reality, we know that nothing would be wrong with these individuals. 

Due to the stigma around BMI and weight, a movement called HAES (Health at Every Size) has surfaced.  HAES is an advocate for the following:

-Focusing on Health and Wellbeing

-Respecting and Honoring Body Diversity

-Encouraging Joyful Movement and Habits

-Fostering Self Trust and Compassion

Below is a quote from the Association for Size Diversity and Health defining what HAES is and why it is important: 

“The Health At Every Size® (HAES®) approach is a continuously evolving alternative to the weight-centered approach to treating clients and patients of all sizes. It is also a movement working to promote size-acceptance, to end weight discrimination, and to lessen the cultural obsession with weight loss and thinness.”

Many things can contribute to weight gain or weight loss throughout someone’s life. Remember that a number does not define who you are. At Banister Nutrition, we don’t believe that your body is a problem that needs to be fixed. 

For more information about HAES, check out their official website below:

https://asdah.org/health-at-every-size-haes-approach/

KR