Our principles:

1. Body size diversity is a natural part of human variation. Healthcare should support the dignity and autonomy of patients of all sizes rather than treating larger bodies as inherently in need of correction.
2. MSSI recognizes the historical and ongoing intersection between anti-Black racism, colonialism, and fatphobia. Advancing weight-inclusive care requires addressing these intersecting systems such as sexism, ableism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, and all other forms of oppression.
3. BMI is a flawed, racist, and inaccurate measurement that should not be used to direct clinical decision-making. Body size cannot capture the complexity of an individual’s health, behaviors, environment, or lived experience and should not be used to restrict or direct care.
4. Every patient deserves respect and compassionate care regardless of health status, choices, or body size. Patients should have the autonomy to make informed decisions about their healthcare, including whether to pursue or decline any recommended intervention. 
5. Healthcare should be delivered based on a patient’s clinical presentation and overall health status, regardless of their size. Care should be driven by patient goals and shared-decision making.
6. Health-promoting behaviors, including nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management, can support wellbeing and health outcomes independent of weight change. 
7. Intentional weight loss efforts are often harmful. Patients deserve informed consent regarding the risks associated with weight loss interventions, including the metabolic and psychological harms of weight cycling and weight stigma.
8. Eating disorders affect people across all identities and body sizes. Healthcare providers should recognize that restrictive diets and weight-focused interventions may contribute to or worsen disordered eating.
9. Health professions education should teach learners to recognize and address weight stigma, understand the limitations of weight-focused care, and provide evidence-based, equitable care.
10. MSSI is committed to advancing research and scholarship that improves understanding of weight-inclusive approaches to healthcare and informs clinical decision-making.