Understanding weight-inclusive care: health practices, policies, and environments in Southern liberal arts colleges.
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| Title: | Understanding weight-inclusive care: health practices, policies, and environments in Southern liberal arts colleges. |
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| Authors: | Jacobsen, Amber (AUTHOR), Knowles Gilchrist, Ann (AUTHOR), Slining, Meghan (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of American College Health. Jul2026, Vol. 74 Issue 6, p1531-1535. 5p. |
| Subjects: | School environment, Cross-sectional method, Documentation, Professional practice, Body mass index, Health facility design & construction, Prejudices, Body weight, Universities & colleges, Medical care, Nutritionists, Decision making, Private sector, Descriptive statistics, Body size, Surveys, Humanities, Telephones, Data analysis software, Counseling, Health facilities, Management, Equipment & supplies, Medical referrals |
| Geographic Terms: | United States |
| Abstract: | Introduction: Student health centers serve as crucial access points for healthcare within universities, striving to create inclusive spaces where all students feel supported. However, evidence indicates that students in larger bodies frequently encounter weight bias and stigma during clinical interactions, negatively impacting both physical and psychological well-being. Methods: The purpose of the current study was to assess current practices, policies and environments related to body weight and size within campus health services at private, liberal arts colleges in the American South. Results: Among the respondent institutions, 88% have incorporated inclusive weighing protocols (such as blind weighing or weight-optional visits) and 71% have implemented broader size-inclusive initiatives. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that private liberal arts colleges in the South are considering weight inclusivity in their practice, suggesting a promising shift toward reducing healthcare barriers and improving health outcomes for college students of all body sizes; however, there are opportunities to further reduce weight stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of American College Health is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: Student health centers serve as crucial access points for healthcare within universities, striving to create inclusive spaces where all students feel supported. However, evidence indicates that students in larger bodies frequently encounter weight bias and stigma during clinical interactions, negatively impacting both physical and psychological well-being. Methods: The purpose of the current study was to assess current practices, policies and environments related to body weight and size within campus health services at private, liberal arts colleges in the American South. Results: Among the respondent institutions, 88% have incorporated inclusive weighing protocols (such as blind weighing or weight-optional visits) and 71% have implemented broader size-inclusive initiatives. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that private liberal arts colleges in the South are considering weight inclusivity in their practice, suggesting a promising shift toward reducing healthcare barriers and improving health outcomes for college students of all body sizes; however, there are opportunities to further reduce weight stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07448481 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2025.2607135 |
