THURS-077 - A Weight-inclusive Approach to Applied Exercise Psychology

Brief Abstract Summary: The purpose of this presentation is to introduce strategies for adopting a weight-inclusive approach to health and physical activity (PA). Weight-centric approaches assume that weight is a major determinant of health and that weight should be managed through PA. Weight inclusivity, however, emphasizes a more holistic approach to health and PA, encouraging individuals to find reasons to enjoy movement independent of weight and appearance management. Research shows that weight-inclusive approaches to health and PA have various health benefits such as improving one’s mood, body image, and enjoyment of PA. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the limitations of weight-centric approaches to health and PA, the benefits of weight-inclusive approaches, examples of weight-inclusive health and PA, and practical strategies for adopting a weight-inclusive approach to health and PA. These strategies will allow health professionals to better serve people of all body shapes and sizes.

Detailed abstract description: Weight-centric approaches, which are dominant in public health, assume that weight is a major determinant of health and that weight is under one’s control. Moreover, weight management is considered an important reason for engaging in PA. However, research shows that weight centrism can negatively affect one’s relationship with food, exercise, and body image. Focusing on weight loss can promote extreme and unsustainable PA behaviors, decrease PA enjoyment, and increase PA avoidance. Furthermore, weight-centric approaches can promote stigmatizing beliefs about people with larger bodies and inaccurately assume them to be physically inactive. Comparatively, weight-inclusive approaches to health refute the elevated status of weight as a major determinant of health and promote PA for reasons other than weight and appearance management. Research shows that weight-inclusive approaches to health and PA can improve self-image, decrease weight stigma, and improve PA motivation.

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce a weight-inclusive approach to health and PA. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the limitations of weight-centric approaches to health and physical activity (PA), the benefits of weight-inclusive approaches, examples of weight-inclusive health and PA, and practical strategies for adopting a weight-inclusive approach to health and PA. For example, we will introduce strategies for helping clients reflect on their assumptions about health and weight and on how to set health and PA goals that are unrelated to weight and appearance management. In addition, we will offer practical resources that health professionals can adopt to promote weight-inclusive approaches. Specifically, we will introduce worksheets that health professionals can adopt to further their reflection and practice of weight inclusivity. Moreover, we will introduce various conversational strategies health professionals can adopt to support their client’s embrace of weight-inclusive health and PA. Finally, we will discuss potential challenges and solutions to adopting a weight-inclusive approach. Adopting weight-inclusive approaches to health and PA can reduce health professionals’ weight stigma as well as better equip them to serve clients of all body shapes and sizes.