Developed by Dr. Lindo Bacon, HAES is the evidence-based framework that bridges the gap. It argues that:
Many people fall into the trap of "I'll start my wellness journey once I lose 10 pounds." Body positivity teaches us that you are worthy of wellness . You don’t need to "earn" the right to eat well or wear cute workout gear. By embracing your body today, you create a sustainable foundation for healthy habits that actually last, because they are built on a foundation of respect rather than shame. The Ripple Effect
suggests that focusing on physical activity and healthy eating for social connection and wellbeing—rather than weight loss—builds a more resilient body image. The Impact of Social Media : A 2025 longitudinal study in Health Communication
| If you lean toward... | Ask yourself this body-positive wellness check | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------| | A new "cleanse" or "reset" | Would I recommend this to a friend in a larger body? Or does it assume thinness as the goal? | | Skipping a meal for "intermittent fasting" | Is this intuitive, or am I ignoring hunger to chase control? | | An intense workout when exhausted | Is this discipline or dissociation from my body’s signal to rest? | | A wellness influencer’s morning routine | Does this allow for disability, neurodivergence, or simply a bad night’s sleep? |