Language Matters: Understanding the Words We Use About Bodies, Health & Identity
Language shapes how we see ourselves and how we treat others. When we talk about bodies, health, identity, and wellbeing, the words we choose can either reinforce harm or create space for dignity, respect, and autonomy. Below is a refreshed glossary of key terms that help build more inclusive, compassionate conversations.
Neuro-affirming
A neuro-affirming view accepts that brains work in different but equally valid ways. Rather than trying to “fix” or make neurodivergent people fit a norm, it removes barriers, provides support, and respects each person’s needs and way of communicating.
Gender‑Affirming
A gender‑affirming approach respects and supports a person’s gender identity and expression. It prioritises safety, autonomy, and recognition, ensuring people are seen and validated as their authentic selves. This can apply to healthcare, social spaces, language, and everyday interactions.
Trauma‑Informed
A trauma-informed approach understands many people have experienced trauma. This includes trauma from weight stigma, medical harm, discrimination, or identity-based violence. Trauma-informed care focuses on safety, choice, empowerment, and collaboration.
Weight Stigma
Weight stigma is the discrimination towards people based on their body weight and size. Weight stigma involves negative attitudes, stereotypes, or discrimination directed at people because of their body size. It can show up in healthcare, employment, media, and social interactions, and it has well‑documented impacts on mental health, physical health, and quality of life.
Weight‑Inclusive
A weight-inclusive approach says everyone, whatever their size, deserves respectful, evidence-based care. It doesn't judge health by appearance but looks at behaviors, access to care, and people’s lived experience. It also recognizes the trauma and ongoing stress caused by a culture that marginalizes larger bodies.
Weight‑Neutral
Weight‑neutral practice separates weight from health outcomes. Rather than aiming for weight change, it supports habits that improve wellbeing regardless of whether someone’s weight goes up, down, or stays the same.
Internalised Weight Bias
This occurs when people absorb society’s negative messages about body size and turn them inward. It can lead to shame, disordered eating, avoidance of healthcare, and chronic stress.
Anti‑Fat Bias
Anti-fat bias is the unfair belief that thinner bodies are better, healthier, or more disciplined than larger bodies. This leads to judgment, exclusion, and unequal treatment in healthcare, work, school, and daily life. It comes from cultural myths, not facts, and harms people’s physical and mental health.
Body Autonomy
Body autonomy means each person controls what happens to their body—choices about health care, food, movement, and gender expression—without pressure, force, or judgment. It’s essential for respectful, person-centered care.
Diet Culture
Diet culture is a belief system that elevates thinness as the ideal and equates weight loss with health, morality, and success. It teaches people to distrust their bodies, fear food, and measure worth through appearance. Moving away from diet culture means valuing wellbeing over weight and recognising that bodies naturally come in diverse shapes and sizes.
Health at Every Size® (HAES)
HAES is a weight‑inclusive, evidence‑based approach that focuses on improving health behaviours rather than pursuing weight loss. It emphasises respect, compassionate care, and equitable access to health resources.
Health‑Centric Goals
Health‑centric goals focus on how you feel rather than how you look. These goals might include:
better sleep
improved mood
increased strength
reduced stress
more stable energy
They shift the focus from changing body size to supporting whole‑person wellbeing.
Support:
If you’re looking for compassionate, weight‑inclusive support, you’re welcome to reach out to us. We’re here to help you explore what wellbeing can look like for you.
Helpful Resources
Note: The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended as medical /psychological advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.
This blog post was created with the support of AI tools to help with clarity and structure. All content reflects the professional knowledge and clinical judgement of the authors.
