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Fighting for Dignity: ASDAH’s Stand Against Medical Fatphobia

Empowering Voices: A Guest Post by Angel A.

Have you ever felt marginalized, misdiagnosed, or even mistreated when seeking medical attention due to your body size? If so, know that you are not alone in this experience. I stand alongside you, advocating for change, because every individual deserves compassionate healthcare that acknowledges their unique needs and challenges. The truth is, we deserve far better than the pervasive medical fatphobia that exists today. As the Advocacy & Community Leader of the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH), a pivotal organization you might not yet know about, I aim to shed light on the crucial work we have been doing for over two decades. ASDAH has been tirelessly advocating for a redefined perspective on health, wellness, and care that is inclusive of fat individuals, especially those at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities. We are taking steps to directly reach out to you because we want to provide support and solidarity as we forge ahead in our fight against medical bias.

Discover How ASDAH Actively Challenges Medical Fatphobia

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The Association for Size Diversity and Health, or ASDAH, is a dedicated nonprofit organization composed of health professionals, educators, advocates, and community members who are all united in the mission to eradicate weight stigma. We strive to ensure equitable access to compassionate healthcare for individuals of all body sizes. The reality is that many fat individuals, particularly those who are Black, disabled, superfat+ (like myself), transgender, or otherwise marginalized, often find themselves denied the dignity and care they deserve within healthcare systems that are inherently designed to exclude them due to entrenched medical fatphobia. ASDAH is actively working to change this troubling narrative.

Understanding the Origins and Importance of Health at Every Size® (HAES®)


Established in 2003, ASDAH proudly serves as the official home of Health at Every Size® (HAES®), holding its legal trademark. This responsibility means that we are committed to protecting and guiding the legacy of HAES®, ensuring its integrity while adapting it to meet the evolving needs of people in larger bodies. Unlike other organizations that have diluted or misappropriated the HAES® name to further weight loss agendas or profit motives, ASDAH remains steadfastly devoted to the radical premise that health cannot be solely defined by body size.

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Every person, regardless of their size, has the right to receive the highest quality of care that is not rooted in shame or discrimination. ASDAH embodies more than just a concept; we represent a dynamic movement, a supportive network, and a wealth of resources available to you. HAES® is an innovative, evidence-based approach to care that challenges the misleading notion that being thin equates to being healthy. It recognizes that individuals of all sizes can pursue health autonomously, with compassion, and free from the constraints of diet culture and medical fatphobia.

In 2024, ASDAH introduced the updated HAES® Principles alongside the comprehensive HAES® Framework of Care. If you have ever wished for a doctor’s office to feel like a sanctuary instead of a place filled with shame, or if you have been told to simply “lose weight” for a health issue that had nothing to do with your size, or felt invisible in healthcare environments saturated with weight loss discussions, anti-fat marketing, or even chairs that are too small, HAES® was designed to transform these experiences. Our goal is to improve the process of obtaining care and enhance health outcomes for everyone.

How ASDAH Can Empower You and Your Community

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I’m thrilled that you’re interested! ASDAH is not merely focused on discussing change; we are dedicated to actively transforming the healthcare landscape. Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking to practice with integrity or a fat individual in search of community and advocacy resources, we provide numerous valuable tools. Most of our events are recorded and made available to members for future access.

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For individuals and community members, we offer:

  • Workshops designed to equip participants with tools for fat self-advocacy and navigating the complexities of healthcare
  • Events such as annual conferences and various community gatherings that foster connection and support
  • Moderated spaces where open and honest conversations can occur about the challenges faced when seeking care as individuals in larger bodies

For health professionals, we provide:

  • Educational, research-based events and training sessions aimed at helping health professionals unlearn weight stigma and deliver respectful, compassionate, and evidence-informed care
  • Continuing education units (CEUs) for qualifying events, enhancing professional development
  • A space to unlearn, grow, and hold oneself accountable in a supportive environment

Join the Movement: Ways to Get Involved

Transparency is crucial. ASDAH is facing significant challenges, and our future depends on the support of our community. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The continuation of our work hinges on the backing of individuals like you.

As a grassroots organization committed to justice-centered initiatives, we operate within a sociopolitical context where diversity, equity, and inclusion are under serious threat. You see the challenges; you feel the impact. Unlike organizations supported by corporate interests that promote diet culture, we rely on the passion and commitment of people like you who believe in the right to live, thrive, and access healthcare without the burden of medical fatphobia.

This is why we invite you to engage with us in ways that align with your values and can make a meaningful difference in the world. We want you to become an integral part of this movement in the manner that best suits your life.

  1. Become a Member or Monthly Donor: Join ASDAH as a professional or community supporter. Membership grants you access to exclusive events, educational opportunities, community spaces, and the chance to help shape the future of HAES® and ASDAH. Join Us Today!
  2. Support with a Recurring or One-Time Donation: Even a contribution of $5 per month can significantly contribute to sustaining our mission. Your recurring donation ensures that we can continue our vital work—training health professionals, providing resources to our community, and upholding and safeguarding HAES®—all aimed at securing the care that those experiencing the harsh realities of medical fatphobia deserve. Contribute Monthly or One-Time!
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Help Us Achieve Our Goal of 500 Monthly Donors by September 30th

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Our goal is ambitious yet crucial: we aim to secure 500 new monthly donors contributing at least $5 each by September 30th as part of our ASDAH Summer of Solidarity Campaign! We recognize that many individuals in our community face financial constraints, but we also believe that if everyone reading this contributes what they can, we can sustainably support our leadership’s efforts as they work tirelessly to expand our programs and serve even more individuals. Please share our mission with others and let them know why you chose to support us.

Additionally, you can connect with us through Instagram and Meta to stay updated on our initiatives! You deserve healthcare that recognizes your full humanity. ASDAH is committed to making this vision a reality, and together, we can achieve it!

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Here you can find the original article; the photos and images used in our article also come from this source. We are not their authors; they have been used solely for informational purposes with proper attribution to their original source.

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.