How To Find A HAES Doctor: Your Guide to Weight-Inclusive Care
Finding a HAES (Health at Every Size) doctor can be transformative for your health journey. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap on how to find a HAES doctor, focusing on understanding their principles, utilizing online resources, and asking the right questions to ensure a supportive and affirming healthcare experience.
Understanding the HAES Philosophy
The Health at Every Size (HAES) approach is a weight-inclusive model of care. This means that the focus shifts away from weight as the primary indicator of health and towards behaviors that promote well-being for people of all sizes. Instead of dieting and weight loss, HAES emphasizes:
- Health Enhancement: Supporting policies and practices that improve and equalize access to resources and care.
- Respectful Care: Acknowledging and addressing biases, and working to end weight discrimination, weight stigma, and sizeism.
- Eating for Well-being: Flexible, individualized eating based on hunger, satiety, nutritional needs, and pleasure, rather than externally imposed diets.
- Life-Enhancing Movement: Encouraging enjoyable activity for its own sake, rather than exercise that is solely focused on weight loss.
Benefits of Seeing a HAES Doctor
Choosing a HAES doctor can offer numerous benefits, especially if you have a history of negative experiences with weight-focused healthcare providers. These benefits include:
- Reduced Weight Stigma: You’ll likely experience less judgment and pressure to lose weight.
- Improved Mental Health: Focusing on health behaviors rather than weight can lead to a more positive body image and reduced anxiety around food and eating.
- Better Physical Health: Focusing on sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle changes can improve cardiovascular health, blood sugar control, and other health markers.
- More Effective Care: With weight out of the spotlight, you can receive more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments that address your specific health concerns.
The Process: How To Find A HAES Doctor
Finding a qualified HAES doctor requires careful research and consideration. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Research Online Directories: Utilize online directories that specialize in connecting patients with HAES-aligned providers.
- ASDAH (Association for Size Diversity and Health): This is a primary resource for finding HAES practitioners.
- HAES Community Pages: Many online forums and communities dedicated to HAES may have recommendations for local providers.
- Use Keywords in Your Search: When searching online, use specific keywords like “HAES,” “weight-inclusive,” “weight-neutral,” “non-diet,” and “size-inclusive.”
- Check Provider Websites: Review the websites of potential doctors for language that indicates alignment with HAES principles. Look for statements about body positivity, weight neutrality, and a focus on health behaviors.
- Read Reviews and Testimonials: Look for patient reviews that mention the doctor’s approach to weight and body size. Pay attention to comments about feeling respected, heard, and supported.
- Contact Potential Doctors Directly: Call or email the doctor’s office and ask specific questions about their approach to care.
- Ask Specific Questions: When contacting or meeting with a potential doctor, ask questions like:
- “How do you approach weight management with your patients?”
- “Are you familiar with the HAES principles?”
- “Do you believe that health can be achieved at any size?”
- “How do you address medical issues that are often associated with weight, such as diabetes or high blood pressure?”
- Trust Your Gut: Choose a doctor who makes you feel comfortable, respected, and empowered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating the search for a HAES doctor can be challenging. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Assuming All Doctors Are Weight-Neutral: Not all healthcare providers are familiar with or supportive of HAES. Don’t assume a doctor’s approach aligns with your values without explicitly asking.
- Ignoring Red Flags: Be wary of doctors who immediately focus on weight loss, prescribe restrictive diets, or make judgmental comments about your body size.
- Settling for Less Than Ideal: If you’re not completely comfortable with a doctor, keep searching. Your health and well-being are worth the effort.
- Relying Solely on Insurance Directories: While insurance directories can be helpful, they may not accurately reflect a doctor’s approach to weight and health.
- Overlooking Allied Health Professionals: Consider registered dietitians, therapists, and other healthcare providers who specialize in HAES and can complement your care.
Finding Telehealth HAES Practitioners
Telehealth can expand your options for finding a HAES-aligned provider, especially if there are limited options in your local area. Look for providers who offer virtual consultations and are licensed to practice in your state. Be sure to inquire about their experience with telehealth and ensure they can provide comprehensive care remotely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly is Health at Every Size (HAES)?
HAES is a social justice and healthcare movement that promotes health equity for all sizes. It challenges the weight-centric approach to healthcare and encourages a focus on health-promoting behaviors rather than weight loss.
Why is it important to find a HAES-aligned doctor?
Finding a HAES-aligned doctor can improve your physical and mental health by reducing weight stigma, promoting body positivity, and encouraging sustainable health behaviors. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced weight-based discrimination in healthcare.
How can I tell if a doctor is truly HAES-aligned?
Look for language on their website or in their communication that emphasizes weight neutrality, body acceptance, and a focus on health behaviors rather than weight. Ask specific questions about their approach to weight management and whether they are familiar with the HAES principles.
What questions should I ask a potential HAES doctor?
Ask questions such as “How do you approach weight management with your patients?” “Are you familiar with the HAES principles?” “Do you believe that health can be achieved at any size?” and “How do you address medical issues that are often associated with weight?”
Are HAES doctors more expensive?
The cost of seeing a HAES doctor will vary depending on their location, specialty, and insurance coverage. Some HAES doctors may accept insurance, while others may operate on a fee-for-service basis. It’s important to inquire about payment options and insurance coverage before scheduling an appointment.
What if there are no HAES doctors in my area?
If there are no HAES doctors in your immediate area, consider telehealth options or expanding your search radius. You can also work with a HAES-aligned registered dietitian or therapist who can provide support and guidance, even if your primary care physician is not HAES-aligned.
Can a HAES doctor help me with weight loss if I still want to lose weight?
While HAES doctors prioritize health over weight, they can still help you explore your reasons for wanting to lose weight and support you in making healthy choices, regardless of whether those choices lead to weight loss. Their focus will be on improving your overall health and well-being, rather than solely on reducing your weight.
How does HAES differ from traditional weight-loss approaches?
Unlike traditional weight-loss approaches that focus on restrictive diets and intense exercise, HAES emphasizes intuitive eating, joyful movement, and self-acceptance. It promotes a holistic approach to health that considers physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Are there specific medical conditions that benefit from a HAES approach?
Many medical conditions, such as eating disorders, chronic pain, and metabolic syndrome, can benefit from a HAES approach. By reducing weight stigma and focusing on health behaviors, HAES can improve outcomes for these conditions.
What other healthcare professionals are typically HAES-aligned?
Registered dietitians, therapists, and exercise physiologists are often HAES-aligned. Look for professionals who specialize in intuitive eating, body image, and joyful movement.
How can I advocate for HAES principles in my own healthcare?
Educate yourself about HAES principles and communicate your values to your healthcare providers. Ask questions about their approach to weight and health, and advocate for weight-neutral care.
What are some resources for learning more about HAES?
The Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) is a primary resource for learning more about HAES. Other resources include books, articles, and online communities that promote body positivity and weight-inclusive health.