In this engaging discussion, Angel Austin and Ani Janzen from the Association for Size Diversity and Health share insights on the 'health at every size' (HAES) movement and challenge anti-fat bias in healthcare. They highlight the importance of inclusivity and the evolution of fat activism. Listeners will appreciate their personal anecdotes about reclaiming joy through tea, fantasy books, and cherished recipes like carrot cake, all while advocating for compassionate care and community support in health.
Healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be accessible to everyone, regardless of body size or health status.
The Health at Every Size movement advocates for dismantling biases in healthcare, emphasizing individual autonomy and diverse health journeys.
Deep dives
Healthcare as a Human Right
Healthcare is defined as a fundamental human right, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of body size or health status, deserves equitable access to care. This perspective challenges the prevailing notion that care should be contingent on an individual's health status or physical appearance. The discussion highlights the need for healthcare providers to acknowledge and dismantle systemic biases that often deny care to larger-bodied individuals. By affirming this principle, advocates strive to foster a healthcare environment where all individuals feel deserving of support and treatment.
The Evolution of Health at Every Size
The Health at Every Size (HAES) movement has its roots in activism from the 1960s and 70s, initially emerging as a response to anti-fat bias and the medical community's treatment of individuals based on body size. Over time, the HAES framework has undergone revisions to address criticisms and reflect a more comprehensive understanding of health that includes social and political dimensions. The current iteration seeks to clarify that health cannot be viewed solely through the lens of diet and exercise, recognizing that these concepts don't apply universally to all individuals. By centering marginalized voices, the movement aims to create a more inclusive and supportive framework that better serves diverse communities.
New Principles for Care
The newly established principles of the Health at Every Size framework reflect a commitment to recognizing the complexities of health beyond traditional paradigms. The principles affirm that healthcare is a human right for all sizes and that care must be free from anti-fat bias. Additionally, they emphasize that well-being is a personal journey, influenced by individual experiences, culture, and beliefs, and should be supported collectively. The framework encourages healthcare providers to listen to their patients and adapt their care to honor diverse needs and perspectives.
Advocacy and Personal Autonomy in Healthcare
The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal autonomy in healthcare decisions, supporting individuals in pursuing health journeys that align with their own values and experiences. This includes recognizing that while intentional weight loss can be a personal choice for some, it should never be imposed as a requirement for receiving care. Advocates stress that healthcare systems must move away from punitive approaches towards inclusive practices that celebrate individual choices. Ultimately, the aim is to empower individuals to navigate the healthcare system assertively and to seek care that respects their unique circumstances.
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Disclaimer: Virginia is a journalist and human with a lot of informed opinions. Virginia is not a nutritionist, therapist, doctor, or any kind of health care provider. The conversation you're about to hear and all of the advice and opinions she and her guests give are just for entertainment, information, and education purposes only. None of this is a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice.
The Burnt Toast Podcast is produced and hosted by Virginia Sole-Smith and Corinne Fay. Follow Virginia on Instagram, Follow Corinne @SellTradePlus, an Instagram account where you can buy and sell plus size clothing and subscribe to Big Undies.The Burnt Toast logo is by Deanna Lowe.Our theme music is by Jeff Bailey and Chris Maxwell.Tommy Harron is our audio engineer.Thanks for listening and for supporting anti-diet, body liberation journalism.