Examining the practice approaches used by registered dietitians in Canada when working with higher weight adults

A cross-sectional, national, online survey of Canadian Registered Dietitians (RDs) was conducted to explore the various practice approaches used when working with higher weight adults. Specifically examined was the use of non-weight focused approaches (NWFAs), and the barriers and facilitators for implementation. NWFAs deemphasize the importance of body weight with respect to adults’ nutrition and health. A comprehensive literature search identified only one study, conducted in Australia, that examined the diverse approaches regarding weight used by RDs. Other studies have examined RDs’ use of single practice approaches. There were no studies that explored the implementation of NWFAs in Canada or nationally. Overall, this thesis presents research that demonstrates that NWFAs are the dominant practice approach being used by Canadian RDs when working with higher weight adults. It also identifies the key barriers and facilitators that RDs experience when implementing NWFAs into practice, across a spectrum of readiness to implement NWFAs.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Health Sciences (MHSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Community, Public and Population Health

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Lichtfuss, Kori

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Arcand, JoAnne

• Implementation
• Practice approaches
• Weight stigma
• Registered dietitian
• Weight inclusive

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1487

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1487