Abstract
Higher weight individuals report disproportionately lower rates of physical activity (PA) engagement and enjoyment due to the pervasiveness of weight stigma in PA contexts. Employing weight-inclusive strategies may improve PA outcomes in this population, though little is known about the application of weight-inclusivity in real-world PA contexts. Thus, two environmental scan studies were conducted with the aims of evaluating the extent to which physical activity spaces aligned with weight-inclusive principles. In study 1, researchers examined and evaluated virtual weight-inclusive PA resources (n =80), that offered educational material (40.0%) and/or PA provision (76.3%). Virtual resources generally adhered to weight-inclusive principles by showcasing diversity in body size (67.2%), using weight inclusive language (75.4%), and centering enjoyable and attuned PA (82.0%), though still included some weight-normative content (8.2%). In study 2, in partnership with Southwestern Ontario YMCA, researchers applied a purpose-made assessment tool to appraise the extent to which YMCA facilities (n = 16) were inclusive for higher-weight-individuals. Upon assessment of physical spaces and in-person fitness classes, researchers found that while class content was weight-neutral, instructor offered few modifications to accommodate diverse-bodied individuals, and generally did not center user enjoyment or attuned PA. Promotional material available in YMCA spaces included weight-normative content and displayed predominantly ‘thin’ and ‘fit’ bodies. Collectively, the availability of virtual and in-person PA provisions that are non-stigmatizing and aligned with weight-inclusive principles remains limited. There is a need for more accessible PA resources that are created for higher-weight individuals to improve the opportunities and quality of PA experiences.
