Thanks for clarifying. I agree that shaming people for losing weight is an extreme that is actually contradictory to the underlying message of HAES. Although,
there are some data out there that intentional weight loss can increase mortality... The idea that a high BMI on its own is harmful and having a lower BMI is always better is where things aren't as clear cut. Statistically speaking, yes, higher BMIs are correlated with increased risk of cancer, heart disease, etc. There are well established links there. But when I am looking at an individual patient, their BMI doesn't really tell me how healthy they are. Their cholesterol, BP, glucose, etc. could look amazing (maybe not likely at a BMI of 45, but not improbable), and unless there are other weight related issues going on (joint pain, sleep apnea, intertrigo, etc.), I don't know if I have enough evidence to say that the high BMI itself is harmful, and that weight loss is going to be beneficial.