Fat-phobia and weight-based discrimination are commonly reported experiences of larger-bodied people accessing medical care, often leading to delays in seeking medical assessment and treatment, and contributing to poor health outcomes. Behavioural weight loss interventions have ultimately been proven ineffective for most. Weight loss advice, frequently accompanied by offerings of pharmaceuticals and surgery, is not appropriate, feasible nor desired by many patients with higher weight. Accordingly, recent position statements from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) recommend offering 'health gain' rather than 'weight loss' approaches for people with a BMI greater than 30kg/m2. Such approaches are referred to as ‘weight inclusive’. However, due to the historical perception of weight as a marker of health, and emphasis on weight loss recommendations, weight inclusive approaches are poorly understood by clinicians trained in a weight-centric paradigm.
 
Weight inclusive primary care focuses on providing non-judgmental, respectful, and holistic care that is centred around individual health needs and goals, regardless of their body size or weight. This approach recognises that weight is not a reliable indicator of health in individuals, and instead focuses on promoting behaviours and habits that are evidence-based and can improve overall health, such as physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management. Additionally, weight inclusive care providers reject weight stigma and do not restrict access to medical treatment based on weight or BMI.
 
This workshop will strengthen your understanding of weight inclusive practice, including conceptual and philosophical frameworks (eg Health at Every Size/HAES, Intuitive Eating), weight science, weight stigma and weight inclusive practice. Using a participatory model informed by lived experience, attendees will identify areas of concern in their own practice setting and develop strategies to move towards weight inclusive practice and a 'body safe' environment for patients, staff and colleagues.

At the end of the workshop, attendees will take away
* Enhanced skills in evaluating and interpreting weight related research for bias, confounders and competing interests
* An understanding of the established characteristics of stigma-informed, weight inclusive approaches for general practice
* Strategies for supporting the health of larger-bodied patients when weight loss is not the goal