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

Abstract

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.