Thread - understanding the public health context and different voices when we communicate about weight – some observations, reflections and thank yous in my #phdlife so far! 1/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
I’m just starting my 2nd year of a PhD where I hope to design a training tool to improve weight-related communication across healthcare settings. 2/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
I’m not a healthcare professional, but I am someone with a background in the design of technology-based training tools for HCP, focusing on skills-based training. 3/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
It has been a big learning curve to understand the complexity of weight science AND challenges of communication, including myths & bias.

We all have bias, it is part of the human condition. But talking about weight seems to really polarise people. 4/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
What I’ve come to realise is this polarisation can both hold us back AND propel us forward.

If we think about different voices in this area, most people consider two broad camps – treatment seekers & fat activists. But there are other groups too. 5/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
Other groups include Health At Every Size and nutritional strategies such low carb and Keto. There are also those who focus on types of activity to manage weight e.g weight/resistance training. 6/

Most of these groups feel they 'have the answer'.

#Healthcare #PublichHealth
I have learned much from all groups. From the treatment seekers - the right to be supported to manage weight, on their terms, with respect and dignity. The campaign for 'obesity as a disease' calls for more healthcare resources to support people. 7/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
From the fat activists, I've learned nuance around the challenge of really understanding the science when it comes to weight-related risk. And I've learned about the hostile world most fat people face. 8/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
HAES interests me because at its core is health. I think that is right. If we focus solely on weight loss, our world becomes dominated with restriction and deprivation. Health is much than that. 9/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
When it comes to talking about weight, especially in healthcare settings, people have a right to be who they are. But I don’t think we are open with people about all the facts. 10/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
What do I mean about honesty? Weight loss and managing weight is really difficult – for most people in this environment.

If we want weight to be part of health improvement we must acknowledge the challenges, the risks and the complexities. 11/
We must acknowledge this at a public health level too. As long as we continue to transmit simplistic messages of 'eat less, move more' at a public health level, the complexities of weight in our current environment will never be understood. 12/
Healthcare professionals have a vital role in explaining the complexities - by acknowledging that ‘being healthy’ is a lifelong journey and not just a one-off 'weight-loss' conversation with a HCP. But also, we need our HCP to advocate for change. /13

#Healthcare #Publichealth
We can't continue to talk about weight and the so called 'obesity crisis' by just targeting individuals. That is like living in a world where all the buildings are on fire and telling people just to avoid the buildings. 14/

#Healthcare #Publichealth
I have much to learn as I continue my PhD journey. I can’t mention everyone, but I am especially grateful to @MaritaHennessy @HelenlouWest @OliWilliamsPhD @WeDietitians @AbdTahrani @susieb16 @huffstuff @FionaWiller @sarahdempster @DrSdeG

/end
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