Why We Exist
This project was born out of our concern for the widespread weight stigma in health, physical activity, and fitness contexts. Weight stigma, which is discrimination based on body shape and size, is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. Sadly, based on our research, lived experience, and activists’ work, we have learned that health, physical activity, and fitness spaces can (un)intentionally send messages that fuel weight stigma, body dissatisfaction, and size discrimination. Therefore, we chose to create educational materials to support health-related professionals in developing a weight-inclusive approach to their practices.
Who Is Involved
We are an interdisciplinary team of university faculty from three different states: Arizona, California, and Maryland. We represent various health-related disciplines and believe a weight-inclusive approach to physical movement can significantly improve people’s health and wellbeing.
Who We Are Funded By
Our projects are funded by the:
Hellison Interdisciplinary Grant from the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education (NAKHE)
Collaborative Research Grant from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP)
Research Grant from NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation
Professional Development Grant from the Western Society for Physical Education of College Women (WSPECW)
Our Vision for the Future
We aim to create, implement, and evaluate research-based education materials tailored for health-related professionals such as physical educators, dietitians, physical therapists, personal trainers, nurses, etc.
A Snapshot of Our Work
The publications to the right are an aggregate of all of the work that we have collectively put into our areas of expertise.
If you are interested in learning more about any of our work offerings, please send us a message from our contact page.
Humphrey, L., Clifford, D., & Morris, M. N. (2015). Health at every size college course reduces dieting behaviors and improves intuitive eating, body esteem, and anti-fat attitudes. Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 47(4), 354-360.
Clifford, D., Ozier, A., Bundros, J., Moore, J., Kreiser, A., & Morris, M. N. (2015). Impact of non-diet approaches on attitudes, behaviors, and health outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 47(2), 143-155.
Clifford, D., & Morris, M. N. (2015). Ending Weight Bias and Discrimination in Nutrition and Dietetics. Scan’s Pulse, 34(2), 13–16.
Morris, M. N., Bundros, J., Clifford, D., & Silliman, K. (2016). Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa among College Students Based on Bratman’s Test and Associated Tendencies. The FASEB Journal, 30, 1161-5
Lee, S., Li, S., Newland, A., Leedeman, J., Clifford, D. E., & Keeler, L. A. (2021). A peer-led non-diet behaviour change intervention: FitU. Health Education Journal, 80(1), 67-80.
Lee, S., Zuest, L., Leedeman, J., Li, S., & Clifford, D. E. (2021). Health and weight attitudes of university recreation center leaders. Journal of American College Health, 1-11.
Zuest, L., Lee, S. Leedeman, J., Li, S., & Clifford, D.E. (In press). Promoting Body Size Diversity in University Recreation Centers. Quest
Those Who Have Volunteered Their Time
Diwaine and Kari helped make our vision come to life by guiding us through the process of logo and brand creation, website development, course creation, and elearning development. Learn more about them below.
Diwaine Word
Tiger Phoenix LLCOur primary focus is on providing maximum value to your business endeavor as we trek into the future, together. Be a crazy dreamer, a creative thinker and always look to make a positive impact on the world you live in.
Kari Word
Instructional Design Studio LLCHere to help you reach your goals of taking your curriculum and bringing it online.
