Co-creating a Weight Neutral Training course...

Building Nutriri's Weight Neutral Training Course: A Collaborative Approach to Health Equity The development of our Weight Neutral Training course has been a comprehensive process, driven by the invaluable insights and experiences of those who have navigated weight-centric healthcare systems - as front line workforce. 

At Nutriri, we’re really proud of our training - a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform healthcare practices and promote equity. This course is the culmination of extensive research, collaboration, and a deep commitment to addressing weight judgement and bias to establish stigma informed systems that #MeasureHealthNotWeight

A Course Rooted in Real-World Experience

After co-creating the Food & Body Ease Course, it seemed the next logical step to mirror the process with those whose job role asked them to engage in policy driven ‘weight management’. This approach allowed us to create a training program that includes and honours all lived experiences and genuinely addresses the complexities of weight bias and offers practical solutions towards a more inclusive healthcare practice.

Shifting from Weight-Centric Models to Inclusive Health Practices

More and more healthcare models are de-prioritising weight change as a key outcome, to consider the broader factors that impact health. Our course challenges the outdated paradigm by focusing on a weight-neutral/inclusive approach. This means that while weight change may or may not be part of an individual’s health experience, our primary goal is to empower healthcare professionals to support patients in a way that improves equity of access, experience and outcomes that contribute to overall health.

The Weight Neutral Training course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to integrate weight-neutral principles into their practice. This includes understanding the impact of weight stigma, recognising the importance of reducing bias, and implementing strategies that promote equitable care for all patients.

Insights and Evidence: How You Shaped the Training

Our approach is informed by a robust body of evidence and real-world feedback. In May 2022, Nutriri, alongside Dr. A Meadows, presented evidence on weight discrimination in healthcare to the House of Commons as part of the inquiry into Body Image and its Impact on Mental and Physical Health. This evidence provided over 350 pieces of qualitative data (via a TikTok video!), highlighting the urgent need for change in how weight is addressed in healthcare settings.

The first iteration of the training was aimed at social prescribers, health coaches and community connectors, but it became apparent that we needed to distil its elements into a ‘time pressed clinicians’ version… so with the help of a deep-end GP we created one - now each participant can choose the course version that suits their capacity and job role.

Co-Creating an Inclusive Learning Experience

The course is more than just a series of modules; it’s a collaborative learning experience. It’s designed to be co-created with participants, valuing current contributions and lived experiences. This approach not only enriches the training content but also fosters a sense of community among healthcare professionals committed to reducing weight bias.

Our course content covers essential topics, including:

• What is Weight Neutral?

• Understanding Weight Stigma

• Addressing Health Inequalities and Determinants

• What to Measure Instead of Weight

• Resources and Further Research

The training is available in both hybrid and self-paced digital formats, ensuring accessibility for a diverse range of learners.

Supporting Evidence Into Practice

Our course has demonstrated considerable potential for improving patient engagement, care outcomes, and overall health equity. We anticipate that the training will lead to increased patient trust, reduced disordered eating, and better mental health outcomes. Financially, it promises a more efficient use of resources, reducing the overspend associated with traditional weight-focused interventions.

Public health benefits include improved understanding of weight stigma, enhanced public engagement with health services, and potential positive impacts on long-term health conditions.

Join Us in creating Stigma Informed Systems

At Nutriri, we’re committed to co-creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape. To learn more about how you can incorporate weight-neutral practices into your work, explore our course. And join us in fostering a more compassionate and effective approach to inclusion and health care.