P87 Imparting Anti-Diet and Weight Inclusive Approaches in a University Dietetics Curriculum

Abstract

<h3>Objective</h3> To evaluate student agreement with weight-inclusive principles in a university Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) course. <h3>Use of Theory or Research</h3> Preoccupation with diet culture is an emerging topic in dietetics education that is shifting how students view weight and body image. This course introduced Health at Every Size® and Intuitive Eating concepts to the existing weight-normative approaches typically delivered in dietetics coursework. <h3>Target Audience</h3> One hundred undergraduate students enrolled in a senior-level MNT course. <h3>Course/Curriculum Description</h3> The 4-credit course includes weight-normative approaches to obesity prevention and treatment with an emphasis on body weight in defining health and disease management, including diet, exercise, and behavior change. Weight-inclusive concepts, which uncouple weight and health, center body diversity, and advocate for non-stigmatizing healthcare, were added to the course in spring 2020 through class discussions, guest speakers, and the assigned popular-press book Anti-Diet, along with required reflections after each chapter. <h3>Evaluation Methods</h3> Student agreement with weight inclusive principles was assessed using a 5-point scale with 1 referring to agreement that dieting is appropriate for weight loss and 5 in agreement of the use of weight inclusive approaches. Statistical analyses included multivariate linear regression, paired <i>t</i> test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test. <h3>Results</h3> Agreement with weight-inclusive principles increased significantly by 0.051 units/chapter, with statistically significant spikes in upward agreement after chapters 3, 6, and 8. The paired <i>t</i> test showed a mean gain in agreement from the end of chapter 1 to the end of chapter 11 of 0.565 points (33%) with a 95% CI of (0.369, 0.760). A Wilcoxon signed rank test likewise showed a significant increase in agreement from chapters 1-11 (<i>P</i> < 0.0001). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Introducing anti-diet principles into a traditional weight-normative curriculum was effective in shifting student agreement with weight-inclusive practices. This project also demonstrated feasibility of incorporating a contemporary companion book project within a pre-existing MNT curriculum that is inclusive of the many ways in which nutrition professionals approach health.