NSA 2025 You must pre register to attend this workshop.
Location: Griffith University, Ian O'Connor Building (Griffith Health Centre) G40, Level 4, Room 4.112
Workshop facilitators: Therese O'Sullivan, ECU & Emma Beckett, ACU
Description: Weight bias is so prevalent that often people don’t notice or question it. Research indicates that some health professionals perceive people in larger bodies as less healthy, less motivated, and less capable. This can contribute to avoidance, poorer quality of care and health inequities. Weight-inclusive care encourages fair and respectful treatment for people of all body sizes, and supports overall well-being and healthy habits that can last long-term. This approach can help people feel respected and empowered, regardless of body size. This workshop will introduce the principles of weight-inclusive care and workshop practical ways to embed them into nutrition practice and tertiary education. Facilitators will help participants explore how nutritionists can move beyond weight-centred approaches to support health, wellbeing, and equity. Drawing on lived experience and insights from a university course redesign project, the session will include small-group discussions and case study analysis. Participants will have a go at redesigning practice using weight-inclusive strategies, and reflect on opportunities to embed these approaches in their own professional or educational settings.
Expected outcomes: Participants will gain a clear understanding of weight-inclusive care, its evidence base, and its application in nutrition practice and education. They will develop practical skills for reframing assessment, language, and goal setting without reliance on weight. Through case studies and peer discussion, participants will leave with the ability to recognise weight bias and promote client-centred care. Each participant will have the opportunity to identify actions to implement in their own practice or education context.