5 Green Flags When Looking for a Weight-Inclusive Registered Dietitian

If you’re looking for a dietitian who sees you, not just your weight, here are the signs of a dietitian who does more than sprinkle in “intuitive eating" around on their website.

I believe there are two paths in dietetics: the one taught in public health and most schools—weight-based, where having a certain body size is seen as a predictor of health risks—and the weight-inclusive approach, which views health through a holistic, non-stigmatizing lens.

Growing up, I was steeped in the weight-centric rhetoric of health, and I perpetuated it throughout my public health undergrad and graduate education. Sadly, many people don’t discover the weight-inclusive space unless they’re familiar with eating disorder treatment.

But the truth is, the weight-inclusive approach is the only one that truly makes space for all bodies. It’s essential for health professionals to see individuals as whole people, not reduce them to a body type or number on a scale.

As a dietitian, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to find a nutrition professional who truly practices from a weight-inclusive, non-diet approach. Some dietitians try to blend traditional weight-centric methods with intuitive eating or weight-inclusive care, but this often misses the mark.

Research even shows that weight stigma in the medical field can predict higher weight in individuals. Imagine that!

With so much misinformation and weight stigma still prevalent in the health industry, it’s important to know what to look for when seeking support for your unique needs. Whether you’re exploring intuitive eating, managing a health condition, or working on your relationship with food, body, or health, finding a weight-inclusive practitioner is key.

Here are five green flags to look for when identifying a dietitian who aligns with weight-inclusive values.

1. Online Presence Does Not Promote Weight Loss

A weight-inclusive dietitian understands that health is not determined by body size and that weight loss isn’t the answer to everything. Instead, they focus on sustainable, health-promoting behaviors that help you feel your best—not look a certain way. They recognize the harm of weight stigma and create a safe, judgment-free space for their clients.

Here are some green flags to look for:

• No promotion of weight loss programs or “quick fixes.”

• No before-and-after pictures. (Having these is a huge red flag!)

• Content that emphasizes health-promoting behaviors overweight, body size, or appearance.

• Use of inclusive language, such as “Health at Every Size” or using the word “fat” as a neutral descriptor of bodies.

• Gold star: They’re a member of the Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH).

Pro tip: Check their website and intake forms. If you’re unsure, ask for their intake questions beforehand. Specific questions about weight loss or changes can be a red flag.

2. Neutral Language Around Food

If you hear a dietitian labeling foods as “good” or “bad”—run. A weight-inclusive dietitian discourages rigid food rules and acknowledges that all foods serve a purpose beyond nutrition. They understand that restriction often leads to binging, guilt, and shame.

They also use neutral language around food for accessibility reasons. Packaged or convenience foods might be the only option for some, or a safe food for others. Demonizing these foods creates unnecessary stress. Convenience foods can be an essential part of a healthful diet, and judging how others eat is a major red flag.

Here are some green flags to look for:

• Recipes or meal ideas that include a variety of foods and food groups.

• Messaging like “all foods fit” or “no foods are off-limits.”

• Discussion of food accessibility and the role of convenience foods.

3. Body Diversity and Inclusivity is Celebrated

A weight-inclusive provider should reflect the diversity of the population they serve. This means showcasing non-thin, non-white bodies, as these are often excluded from stereotypical representations of “health.”

Look for images and stories that represent people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. They should acknowledge the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including people in larger bodies, people of color, those with varying abilities, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals.

Here are some green flags to look for:

• Diverse imagery that includes people of different body sizes, races, and abilities.

• Positive messaging like “health is not a size” or “your worth is not determined by your weight.”

• Providers who share their own intersectional identities (e.g., being in a fat body, queer, neurodivergent).

4. Free Resources or a Free Initial Consult Offer

A weight-inclusive dietitian often provides free discovery calls to ensure they’re the right fit for you before committing to sessions. This is a great opportunity to ask about their approach. Many also offer free resources like blogs, guides, or webinars to help you understand their philosophy.

Here are some green flags to look for:

• Free resources, such as intuitive eating guides or alternatives to weight-based health measures.

• A free discovery call option.

• Blog posts or resources that explain their approach and provide examples of client support.

5. Flexible, Individualized, and Collaborative Care is Promoted

A weight-inclusive dietitian understands that nutrition care must be personalized—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. They take a person-centered approach, working collaboratively with clients to promote independence, honor choice, and improve quality of life at the client’s pace.

Here are some green flags to look for:

• Language like “personalized nutrition,” “collaborative care,” and “tailored nutrition.”

• A focus on working with clients and their healthcare providers (a multidisciplinary approach).

• Flexibility in creating and adjusting nutrition plans based on your needs and preferences.

Have I Convinced You Yet?

Finding a weight-inclusive dietitian can be challenging. Sometimes, providers use the right language, but their approach doesn’t align with your needs. By keeping an eye out for these green flags, you can identify dietitians who truly share your values and are committed to supporting your health without stigma.

A great place to start is the Association for Size Diversity and Health’s (ASDAH) provider listings: ASDAH HAES Provider Directory.

If a dietitian’s online presence doesn’t feel like the right fit, trust your gut and keep searching. Often, looking for providers who share your identities or values is a great place to start. There are many weight-inclusive dietitians out there ready to support people like you!

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Emily Edelson, MS, RD, is the founder of Food Ease Nutrition Counseling, a weight-inclusive healthcare space. She identifies as queer, midsize, and neurodivergent and specializes in body image work within the eating disorder space. Follow Food Ease Nutrition Therapy on Instagram too!