Revolutionizing Classrooms with Weight-Inclusive Care – NAU Review

Understanding The Link Between Weight and Health

Have you ever questioned the conventional wisdom that being thin equals being healthy? This assumption was challenged by registered dietitian Dawn Clifford, who found that a focus on weight loss often led to harmful and counterproductive outcomes for her patients.

The Shift Towards Weight-Inclusive Healthcare

Clifford, who is a professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Northern Arizona University (NAU), previously adopted a weight-centric approach. However, she discovered that this method only led to her patients entering a cycle of weight loss and regain, which was not conducive to their overall health and wellness. This prompted her to delve into research on weight-inclusive health care.

Her research led her to some surprising findings. For example, a study showed people categorized as overweight often live longer than those considered to have a “normal” weight based on the Body Mass Index scale. Additionally, several studies highlighted a high prevalence of undiagnosed eating disorders among higher-weight individuals.

The Risks of a Weight-Centric Approach

Clifford emphasizes that health care professionals often intend to cause no harm but may inadvertently do so when adopting a weight-centric approach. Instead, she advocates for a weight-inclusive approach—focusing on overall mental and physical health—backed by growing research evidence.

Incorporating Weight-Inclusive Messages into Teaching

Alongside her colleagues, Clifford integrates weight-inclusive messages into her teaching at NAU. They use case studies featuring patients of larger sizes, model inclusive language, and help students design nutrition plans that prioritize overall well-being and disease management over weight loss. They also publish peer-reviewed papers on how to incorporate weight-inclusive perspectives into health sciences teaching.

A More Empathetic Approach to Care

Clifford is a firm believer in evidence-based care and emphasizes that weight is just one aspect of health. Her aim is to challenge traditional views on weight and health, encouraging future practitioners to consider the complexity of factors contributing to an individual’s weight and health, thereby promoting a more empathetic and inclusive approach to care.

Promoting Size Diversity in Health Care Professions

Clifford and her colleagues also promote size diversity in health care professions. Through their teaching and the University Coaching for Activity and Nutrition (UCAN) program at NAU, they strive to send the message that all bodies are welcome in all health and fitness professions. They also supported the establishment of the Weight Inclusive Research in Education (WIRED) collaborative, an international network of weight-inclusive educators and researchers.

Despite initial pushback, weight-inclusive care is now gaining traction. As the evidence supporting weight-inclusive care continues to grow, it’s clear that a shift in perspective on health and weight is underway.

For more information, please contact Jill Kimball at NAU Communications at jill.kimball@nau.edu.