In our society where socially constructed norms equate thinness with beauty and health, it is not surprising that many women are not satisfied with their bodies. The strong cultural value emphasising thinness oppresses women and can give rise to unhealthy eating and exercising patterns, and psychological distress. This study sought to develop and evaluate an innovative model of “nutrition education for social change” that addresses women’s body image and nutrition behaviours. Two-hundred non-eating disordered Alberta women, ranging from 20 to 57 years old, were randomly allocated to a nutrition education for social change program, a psycho-educational program focused on individual change, or a control group. The social change program addressed the social determinants of body image through an empowerment model of collective understanding and action. Programs were evaluated using validated quantitative measures administered at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6 months post intervention, qualitative data were also collected on group process. Findings will be presented on the process and outcomes of each program. Facilitators of the social change program faced challenges in engaging women in a critical social analysis, in enabling women to empower themselves to change their body images, and in overcoming women’s sense of powerlessness to impart change in their familial and social environments. Facilitators also became learners and explored their own body image issues. Emergent findings suggested that nutrition education for social change is an innovative means of explicating the social organisation of body image issues and has potential for initiating social change through empowerment.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the elements of a nutrition education for social change intervention 2. Discuss the differences in the implementation and impact of the two types of nutrition education programs 3. Develop social change programs for other nutrition issues
Keywords: Women's Health, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.