Canadian dietitians' understanding of non-dieting approaches in weight management.
OBJECTIVE
How Canadian dietitians define and use non-dieting and size acceptance approaches (SAAs) in the context of weight management was explored.


METHODS
Fifteen focus groups with 104 dietitians were conducted in seven Canadian cities. Questions were designed to explore participants' understanding and use of non-dieting and SAAs, including counselling goals, techniques, and outcome measures. Sessions were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using qualitative methods.


RESULTS
Participants generally agreed that non-dieting involves promoting healthy lifestyles and avoiding restrictive diets. Participants also agreed that size acceptance means accepting all body shapes and sizes and promoting comfort with one's body. Many dietitians said they use size acceptance only with appropriate clients, most often with those who are lighter or without other health risks. Others said that size acceptance, by definition, is appropriate for everyone. Opinions varied about the appropriateness of teaching portion sizes or using meal plans, and whether weight loss could be a goal of non-dieting and SAAs.


CONCLUSIONS
Views on the usefulness of non-dieting and size acceptance strategies in weight management counselling were related, at least partially, to the different understanding that dietitians had of these approaches. Terminology needs to be clarified when we speak about non-dieting and SAAs. The varied understanding about these concepts should help dietitians reflect on their own perspectives and practice.
Marchessault
Gail
G
Faculty of Human Ecology, Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Thiele
Kevin
K
Armit
Eleeta
E
Chapman
Gwen E
GE
Levy-Milne
Ryna
R
Barr
Susan I
SI
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D002170:Canada; D003376:Counseling; D004046:Dietetics / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012649:Self Concept