02/08/2026
Caring for Metabolic Health from a HAES Perspective
A Health at Every Size (HAES)–Informed Approach
You may have been diagnosed with a metabolic condition such as PCOS, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease (MASLD), insulin resistance, or prediabetes. These conditions are common—and they are not a personal failure.
This handout explains how we can support your metabolic health without focusing on weight loss, restriction, or shame.
What “Health at Every Size” Means
Health at Every Size (HAES) is an approach to care that recognizes:
Health is not the same as weight.
People can improve blood sugar, cholesterol, liver health, and symptoms without weight loss.
You are the expert on your body.
Your preferences, experiences, culture, and needs matter.
No assumptions.
We don’t assume how you eat or move based on labs, diagnoses, or body size.
Harm reduction matters.
Dieting and restriction can worsen physical and mental health, especially for people with a history of disordered eating.
Neutral, respectful language.
We focus on labs, symptoms, energy, and quality of life—not “good” or “bad” behaviors.
You Choose What We Focus On
There are different ways to manage metabolic conditions. At your visits, we’ll ask what you want to work on:
Medications only
Lifestyle changes only
A combination of both
Neither, for now
All of these choices are valid
A Note About Food & Eating History
Before talking about nutrition or movement, we routinely ask about past or current eating disorders or disordered eating.
This is because:
Diet advice can be harmful for some people
Your safety matters more than any plan
If you’ve ever struggled with:
anorexia
bulimia
binge eating
ARFID
chronic dieting or restriction
We will:
move carefully
avoid calorie counting, portion rules, or weight-focused advice
offer support or referrals to HAES-aligned dietitians if helpful
