Understanding the Similarities and Differences: Health at Every Size ®️, Body Positivity, Body Liberation, and Fat Positivity

Insights from a Therapist

by Allison VanGordon (they/she) M.S. LPC

At first glance, these terms may feel similar and maybe even a little scary
When looking for an eating disorder provider, providers should be able to explain the difference between these terms to you
Differences in these terms and a provider's understanding of them could radically change what your treatment looks like

Started by 1960’s group called The Fat Underground, other organizations, and more importantly, the many fat, Black women whose ideas were appropriated by white people and ‘formalized’ in white supremacist ways
Focuses on understanding the intersectionality of health and wellness
Educates providers and individuals about the harm of weight stigma in professional settings
Centers patient's bodily autonomy
To read more about the most up-to-date HAES®️ information, go here

Goes beyond acceptance to challenge systemic body oppression of those in marginalized bodies (black, brown, fat, queer, trans, disabled)
Advocates for societal change, addressing fatphobia and discrimination
Linked to intersectionality and dismantling of normalized body stigma
To read more about body liberation, I recommend "The Body Is Not An Apology" by Sonya Renee Taylor and "This is Body Grief" by Jayne Mattingly

A provider that claims to follow the principles of HAES®️, but does not understand the role of weight stigma, could cause harm to patients in marginalized bodies
A provider that claims to be "body positive", but does not understand the social justice piece of equitable housing, healthcare, access to food, and accessible spaces will likely miss a patient's grief, rage, and exhaustion and tell the patient to "be grateful for what they do have"

HAES informs a comprehensive, body autonomous route to treatment
Body positivity supports self-esteem and serves as a stepping stone to body liberation
Body liberation influences advocacy and empowerment work
Fat positivity aids in combating stigma and body-related trauma

Confusing HAES with body positivity may lead to missing critical pieces of patients' lived reality
Using body positivity superficially without learning about the roots of body liberation reinforces systemic issues
Lack of fat-positive providers continues to be a barrier to patients in fat bodies due to lack of medical training around weight stigma
Overlooking the political roots and goals of body liberation

Introduce HAES and treatment beliefs early
- For me this sounds like, "I am so glad you reached out. It sounds like you've had a complicated relationship with food and your body for a long time. I am honored to be on this journey with you. Just so you are aware, I believe that health is not a moral obligation, all bodies are worthy bodies, and that all foods fit. I never want you to question where I stand. I am not asking you to jump on over to my side today, I just want to be transparent on my treatment approaches."
Using books, podcasts, and research to cultivate curiosity
- I really like "Food Psych" as an easily digestible podcast
Encouraging body liberation awareness as part of empowerment work.

Avoiding biased language and assumptions about body size and health
- I enjoy gifting providers with the book "Sick Enough" to reinforce that eating disorders don't have a "look"
Promoting inclusive patient-centered goals aligned with body autonomy
Recognizing the social determinants influencing body experiences
Collaborating with patient to respect their values and beliefs