I have retired from the fields of weight science and Health at Every Size*.

Retirement Letter/ Career Pivot

The Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH), the organization which has trademarked the term Health at Every Size, previously maintained a blog called “the HAES files”. The blog still exists but no longer has that name. ASDAH has “retired” articles I had written. The articles are republished here, some with minor revisions to ensure they remain relevant.

Special Bonus! (video)

ASDAH 2018, United Against Oppression
conference keynote

Thanks, ASDAH, for that touching standing ovation. I’m honored.

Original Articles, from the ASDAH HAES Files blog

I have so appreciated my 15+ years contributing to and feeling the love and support from ASDAH, the HAES organization. In this 11/11/2020 interview, Chelsea Fielder-Jenks, then ASDAH Education Committee Chair, has me revisit my first book, Health at Every Size, and express how I have personally and professionally evolved since writing it.
Being less likely to be hired or get promotions, being paid less, receiving less adequate medical treatment, being socially excluded, bullied and targeted in derogatory comments: these are the consequences of the “war against obesity”.
Co-authored with Melissa A. Fabello. We end this inspiring and compassionate post with “final words to our fat ambassadors: Yes, You’re Fat. It’s Okay. Say It Loud. Or Quiet. Own It. You’re bigger than your detractors, in ways far more important than physical size.”
Real harm is being done due to the focus on fat/weight loss/size as the prerequisite for health. Fat stigma is the real problem causing ill health.
Co-authored with Lucy Aphramor, PhD., RD. Public health interventions promoting weight-loss fail to account for “social determinants” such as socioeconomic status and are not scientifically sound. The stress resulting from stigmatization in the name of health causes ill health.
Dr. Lindo Bacon reflects on their experience as a debate speaker at the 2011 American Dietetic Association’s annual Conference. Provides hope and inspiration for managing resistance and developing resilience.
I can’t imagine that any well-meaning educator would want to spread shame and bias from the blackboard. That’s why I call on them to change the dialogue on “obesity” now.
Dump worksite obesity prevention programs. Here’s a step-by-step plan to challenge stigmatizing messages in your company and propose criteria for more respectful work places.
The problem is not just that contrarian voices aren’t heard in articles about weight, it’s that few journalists recognize those voices even exist. Let’s challenge journalists to challenge their assumptions and deliver the full story on weight.
Michelle Obama: I’m with you in wanting to improve the health of children in the U.S. through improved nutrition and physical activity, but let’s not do it on the backs of the fat kids or with misguided measures like BMI.
The long road to the 2011 American Dietetic Association’s Annual Meeting (FNCE) debate between Dr. Lindo Bacon advocating for a HAES approach and Dr. John Foreyt promoting the conventional anti-obesity approach.
Description of the debate between Dr. Lindo Bacon and Dr. John Foreyt on the topic of HAES vs. the conventional weight reduction paradigm at the 2011 American Dietetic Association conference.
Co-authored with Dr. Lucy Aphramor. Contemporary nutrition education does more harm than good. Here’s an analysis, and a prescription for change.
New Workplace Provisions that Deserve a Pink Slip

*Health at Every Size and HAES are registered trademarks of The Association for Size Diversity and Health and used with permission.