If you grew up in a culture steeped in diet ads, fitness challenges, and before-and-after photos, it’s no wonder your definition of health might be tied to weight. But health is far more complex than that. And when we only focus on the scale, we miss the full picture—and sometimes end up doing more harm than good.

If you’ve never heard of weight-inclusive therapy—or only have a vague idea of what it means—you’re not alone. Many people assume therapy will involve a focus on weight loss or “getting healthy,” and are surprised (and sometimes relieved) to learn that some therapists take a completely different approach.

A HAES-informed therapy approach isn’t about ignoring health—it’s about making health-promoting choices free from weight stigma and diet culture. Learn why HAES® is a compassionate, evidence-based framework.

For decades, the conversation around health and weight has been shaped by a “thin equals healthy” mindset, but eating disorder professionals are increasingly challenging this narrative. More therapists and dietitians are adopting a weight-neutral, non-diet, and fat-accepting stance in their work—a shift rooted in research, compassion, and a commitment to sustainable recovery.