Description
This interactive course will focus on learning more about weight bias in health care settings and its impact on the client/practitioner relationship and the health and well-being of clients with bariatric care needs. Participants will be provided with the most up to date evidence about weight bias constructs and ways in which it is evidenced in practitioner’s thoughts, actions, and ultimately the quality of care and service. Participants will be led through activities and challenges with a goal to identify actionable items to reduce weight bias in their practices and settings. This session will be of interest and use to anyone who works with clients who have been diagnosed with obesity or who live in large bodies.
Learning Outcomes:
The participant will be able to describe weight bias origins, perpetuation, and impact on health and well-being
The participant will be able to identify ways in which to reduce weight bias in current practice settings.
The participant will be able to identify tools and resources to create safe and accessible spaces and places for clients with bariatric care needs.
Dr. Mary Forhan is an occupational therapist, associate professor and Chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Alberta, Canada. Dr. Forhan leads the Bariatric Care and Rehabilitation Research group in a program of research dedicated to reducing the disability experiences of persons living with obesity or those living in large bodies. This includes a focus on reducing weight bias and stigma in health care settings and by health care professionals. Dr. Forhan’s contributions to innovative clinical practice and research have been recognized by awards received from the Obesity Society, Obesity Canada, McMaster University, and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.