Event Details

PHO Rounds: Towards a Weight Inclusive Approach in Public Health

Weight bias and the resulting stigma and discrimination is a significant public health problem and social justice issue that leads to health inequities. This Public Health Ontario (PHO) Rounds presents Ontario Dietitians in Public Health’s (ODPH) 2024 position statement on an weight-inclusive approach that uses an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed lens. The position statement focuses on equity, positionality, and the intersections of weight bias, stigma and discrimination with racism, colonialism, classism, and sexism. The statement reflects ODPH’s guiding principles of evidence-informed practice, comprehensive health promotion, and health equity. We will present the origins of these recommendations and why a coordinated, interprofessional, weight-inclusive approach is necessary to reduce harm and improve population level health outcomes. Specific recommendations are made for public health regarding communications, supportive environments and policy, education, training/capacity and resources.

Intended audience: Public health dieticians, Public Health Unit (PHU) staff with interest in health promotion and equity, program planners, public health nurses, Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), Assistant Medical Officers of Health (AMOHs)

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe why an intersectional approach to addressing weight bias is an important health equity and social justice issue of public health importance
• Identify opportunities for addressing weight bias within their public health unit or organization
• Identify actions they can take to address weight bias within their workplace in ways that align with equity, diversity and inclusion priorities

Presenter(s): About the presenters: Amy MacDonald and Jessica Love

Amy MacDonald, MScFN, RD, has been a public health dietitian for the last 15 years. She has been a vocal advocate for reducing weight stigma in public health practice during this time, especially in schools and child and family settings.

Jessica Love RD, is a public health dietitian who has worked in northern Ontario for the past 10 years. Jessica was involved in writing the position statement ‘Towards a Weight-Inclusive Approach in Public Health’ and co-chairs an Anti-Racism in Dietetics Community of Practice through Ontario Dietitians in Public Health.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accreditation

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca.