Contents
- Introduction: Why You Might Want to Find a Health at Every Size Doctor
- What is Health at Every Size?
- The Benefits of Health at Every Size
- How to Find a Health at Every Size Doctor
- Making an Appointment with a Health at Every Size Doctor
- What to Expect During Your First Visit
- Working with Your Health at Every Size Doctor
- Following Up After Your First Visit
- The Cost of Health at Every Size Care
- Finding Health at Every Size Resources
In order to find a Health at Every Size Doctor, you must first know what you are looking for. Here are some tips on how to find the best doctor for you.
Checkout this video:
Introduction: Why You Might Want to Find a Health at Every Size Doctor
The Health at Every Size (HAES) movement is based on the belief that good health can be achieved and maintained at every size, and that attempts to manage weight are often ineffective and even harmful.
If you are interested in finding a doctor who supports the HAES approach, there are a few things you can do. First, try searching the internet for “health at every size doctor” or “HAES doctor.” This should give you a list of doctors in your area who have expressed an interest in the HAES approach.
Another option is to look for doctors who are certified by the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). To be certified by the OMA, doctors must complete a training program that covers topics such as nutrition, physical activity, and behavior change. The OMA website has a searchable database of certified physicians: https://www.obesitymedicine.org/find-a-practitioner/.
Finally, you could contact your insurance company and ask if they have any providers in your area who specialize in obesity medicine or support the HAES approach.
What is Health at Every Size?
Health at Every Size is a movement that challenges the idea that weight loss is the key to good health. Instead, they advocate for making healthful changes that are sustainable, regardless of weight. This approach is based on the belief that all bodies are good bodies and deserve to be treated with respect.
If you’re interested in finding a Health at Every Size doctor, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, not all doctors are familiar with this approach, so it’s important to do your research. You can start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral or searching online for a Health at Every Size-friendly doctor in your area.
Once you’ve found a few potential doctors, there are some questions you can ask to see if they would be a good fit for you. For example, you might ask about their thoughts on weight loss as a health goal, whether they treat all patients with respect and without judgment, and what kind of resources they have available to help patients make healthy lifestyle changes.
If you’re struggling to find a Health at Every Size doctor in your area, don’t hesitate to reach out to national or local organizations dedicated to this approach for more information and resources.
The Benefits of Health at Every Size
There are many benefits to pursuing a Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to health and wellness. For one, HAES practitioners are more likely to have a better understanding of and respect for the unique needs and challenges of individuals who are overweight or obese. They are also more likely to provide care that is tailored to the individual rather than making assumptions based on weight.
In addition, HAES practitioners are more likely to provide care that is focused on overall health and wellness, rather than merely weight loss. This means that they are more likely to help patients develop healthy lifestyle habits that can improve overall health, regardless of weight. Finally, HAES practitioners tend to be more accepting and affirming of their patients, which can create a more positive and supportive environment for making lasting changes.
How to Find a Health at Every Size Doctor
There are a few different ways that you can find a Health at Every Size (HAES) doctor. One way is to look for a doctor who is listed as a member of the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). ASDAH is an organization that promotes HAES and has a directory of HAES doctors on their website.
Another way to find a HAES doctor is to look for one who is certified by the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO). IASO is an organization that promotes research and education on obesity. They have a directory of certified HAES doctors on their website.
You can also look for doctors who are listed as providers of “medical weight management” on the Obesity Medicine Association website. These doctors have completed training in how to provide care to people with obesity in a way that respects their dignity and helps them improve their health.
Finally, you can ask your regular doctor if they are familiar with the HAES approach and if they would be willing to help you manage your weight in a non-diet, non-weight loss way. Many doctors are open to this approach and would be happy to help you if they can.
Making an Appointment with a Health at Every Size Doctor
If you’re searching for a healthcare provider who will celebrate your body exactly as it is, look no further than a Health at Every Size (HAES) doctor. HAES-aligned providers center their care around the belief that all humans deserve compassion and respect, no matter their size or appearance. This philosophy stood in direct opposition to the fatphobic, weight-loss-centric care that was – and, in many cases, still is – the standard in Western medicine.
To find a HAES doctor near you, start by visiting the Association for Size Diversity and Health website. Here, you can search for providers by location or specialty. Another great resource is The Body Positive’s provider directory, which includes doctors, therapists, nutritionists, and other care providers from around the world who are committed to body positivity and social justice.
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential providers, give them a call to ask about their experience working with patients of your size. Many HAES doctors have been trained in traditional weight loss-based medicine and have since shifted their focus to provide affirming care to people of all sizes. Others have always been passionate about social justice and overweight/obese patient advocacy and have built their careers around these issues. Either way, it’s important that you find a provider whose practices align with your needs and values.
Last but not least, don’t forget to check your health insurance policy before making an appointment. Many insurance companies will only cover care from providers within their network, so it’s important to make sure your chosen provider is covered under your plan.
Making an appointment with a HAES doctor is an important step on your journey to accepting and loving your body just as it is.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Your doctor should make you feel comfortable and respected, and they should be open to talking about your weight. They should also be able to provide you with evidence-based information about how to improve your health, regardless of your weight.
If you’re not sure where to start, the Health at Every Size Provider Directory can help you find a qualified provider in your area.
Working with Your Health at Every Size Doctor
As the Health at Every Size and intuitive eating movements gain popularity, more and more healthcare providers are interested in learning how to best support their patients in these approaches. Here are some tips for finding a healthcare provider who is a good fit for you and your needs.
In order to find a list of Health at Every Size providers in your area, you can start by searching online. The Association for Size Diversity and Health offers a searchable database of providers who have signed their Health at Every Size Provider Pledge. This pledge indicates a commitment to “treating people of all sizes with compassion and respect, providing evidence-based care, and promoting health and well-being at every size.”
If you’re not sure where to start your search, you can also ask your friends or family if they know of any providers in your area who may be supportive of your journey towards health and well-being. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential providers, you can narrow down your choices by considering the following factors:
-Does the provider have experience working with patients who are pursuing an alternative approach to health?
-Is the provider open to having conversations about weight, body image, and intuitive eating?
-Does the provider have knowledge about or experience with Health at Every Size principles?
-Is the provider accepting new patients?
-Is the provider located in a convenient location?
-Is the provider covered by my insurance plan?
Once you’ve found a few potential matches, you can contact each one to ask any additional questions or to schedule an appointment. When meeting with a new healthcare provider for the first time, it can be helpful to come prepared with a list of questions or topics that you would like to discuss. This will help ensure that you make the most of your appointment time and that your needs are being met.
Following Up After Your First Visit
If you are like most people, you probably have a regular doctor that you visit for your annual physical and any other health concerns that may come up. But what if you are looking for a doctor who is supportive of your Health at Every Size® (HAES®) journey? How can you find someone who will not only accept your weight, but also support your efforts to live a healthy lifestyle?
Here are a few tips:
1. Start by asking around. Talk to friends, family, or your HAES® support group and see if they have any recommendations.
2. Once you have a few names, call the offices and ask to speak with the doctor or their nurse. Be upfront about what you are looking for in a doctor and ask if they would be comfortable working with someone of your size.
3. Another option is to look for doctors who are certified in Obesity Medicine by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). These doctors have completed extra training in treating patients of all sizes with compassion and respect.
4. Finally, remember that it is okay to interview multiple doctors before finding one that is the right fit for you. Not every doctor will be HAES®-friendly, but with a little searching, you should be able to find one who supports your health journey!
The Cost of Health at Every Size Care
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much Health at Every Size care will cost. Many factors, such as the type of provider you choose and the location of their practice, can affect the price of your care. In general, however, care from a Health at Every Size provider is likely to cost less than care from a traditional weight loss-focused doctor.
This is because Health at Every Size care is focused on providing sustainable, long-term support for your overall well-being, rather than simply helping you lose weight. This means that you are less likely to need ongoing or intensive care from a Health at Every Size provider, which can save you money in the long run.
If you are considering pursuing Health at Every Size care, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the cost of your care:
1. Look for providers who offer sliding scale fees or accept insurance.
2. Consider pursuing group counseling or therapy, which can be more affordable than individual sessions.
3. Seek out free or low-cost resources, such as online support groups or self-help books.
4. Talk to your primary care doctor about your interest in pursuing Health at Every Size care; they may be able to provide referrals or resources that can help reduce the cost of your care.
Finding Health at Every Size Resources
There are a few ways to find a Health at Every Size doctor. One way is to look online for a list of certified practitioners. Another way is to ask your regular doctor for a referral. You can also look for doctors who specialize in working with plus-size patients.
You can also find resources and support groups through the Health at Every Size movement. This movement is dedicated to promoting body acceptance and size diversity. There are a few organizations that are part of this movement, including the Association for Size Diversity and Health, the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, and Body Positive.