Discuss Healthy Living

Not all patients with overweight or obesity recognize that their weight could affect their health (Pennings et al, 2025). Primary care providers should be aware of the Health at Every Size® (HAES®) movement. Promoted by the Association for Size Diversity and Health, the HAES® advocates balanced eating, life-enhancing physical activity, and respect for the diversity of body shapes and sizes. When patients express these or similar beliefs, the clinician should respect their views on body size and preferences and seek to work collaboratively toward mutual health goals that do not focus on body weight.

Practice Pearl | Focusing on Health

Rodolfo J. Galindo, MD, FACE, Emory University School of Medicine, Culturally Congruent Care for Hispanic Older Adults with Obesity


When you start talking with your patients, you need to consider that this is an important topic for their relationships... The goal isn’t to be skinny but to be healthier and avoid chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, or many other diseases.

Supporting Health at Any Size

When patients express that they are comfortable with their body size, or that they do not believe that obesity is a disease, clinicians can focus on being healthier at any size and discuss the importance of weight-neutral approaches for controlling conditions such as:

  • hypertension
  • dyslipidemias
  • diabetes
  • sleep apnea
  • erectile dysfunction
  • and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (previously called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).

    Kickstart | Approaches to Implement

    Overview | Prepare for a Conversation About Body Weight | Help Patients Feel Welcomed at Their Appointments | Ask for Permission and Use Open-Ended Questions | Recognize Cultural Differences | Discuss the Importance of Healthy Living at Every Size and Age | Kickstart References