OUR CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
Exploring weight bias internalization in pregnancy
Working with Obesity Canada, we modified the Adult Weight Bias Internalization Scale to be specific to gestational weight gain in pregnancy. We measured weight bias internalization and associations with excessive gestational weight gain and obesity.
Team: T. Nagpal (University of Alberta), K. Adamo (University of Ottawa), X. Ramos-Salas (Obesity Canada), H. Piccinini-Vallis (Dalhousie University), M. Vallis (Dalhousie University), A. Alberga (Concordia University), R. Bell (University of Alberta), D. da Silva (Bishop's University), M. Davenport (University of Alberta), L. Gaudet (Queen's University), A. Incollingo Rodriguez (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), R. Liu (Women's College Hospital), M. Myre (University of Alberta), K. Nerenberg (University of Calgary), S. Nutter (University of Victoria), S. Russell-Mayhew (University of Calgary), C. Vilhan (Obesity Canada)
Funding: SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant
Exploring intersecting identities in pregnancy and experiences of weight stigma
We are interviewing pregnant individuals who identify as women of colour to understand potential experiences of weight stigma among diverse racialized communities during pregnancy.
Team: T. Nagpal (University of Alberta), S. Deol (University of Alberta), A. Ferdinands (University of Alberta), T. Berry (University of Alberta), S. Nutter (University of Victoria), A. Incollingo Rodriguez (Worcester Polytechnic University), B. Hill (Monash University), Obesity Canada
Funding: University of Alberta Endowment Fund for the Future Advancement of Scholarship
Weight-based stigma as a driver of relationship transitions
This study investigates close interpersonal relationships, including partners, family, and friends as sources of pregnancy-related weight stigma through surveys.
Team: A. Incollingo Rodriguez (Worcester Polytechnic University), T. Nagpal (University of Alberta)
Funding: Summit Foundation
Working together on gestational diabetes management
We will be planning a Cafe Scientifique to take place in winter 2024 that brings together public members and healthcare providers to exchange knowledge and experiences on gestational diabetes management, prevention of type 2 diabetes, and postpartum care. This session is being co-developed with individuals who have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.
Team: T. Nagpal (University of Alberta), R. Yeung (University of Alberta), R. Bell (University of Alberta), P. Kaul (University of Alberta)
Funding: CIHR Cafe Scientifique
Ready for pregnancy and told to lose weight: Exploring the intersect between weight and infertility stigma
This study aims to share and understand the experiences of individuals who are seeking or undergoing fertility related care who also have larger bodies. We know weight stigma occurs in relation to fertility, and infertility may also elicit feelings of stigma and shame. This study will try and capture the intersect between both of these, with the goal of gathering person-informed directives to improve care and experience.
Team: T. Nagpal (University of Alberta), A. Alberga (Concordia University), M. Cote (Concordia University), S. Nutter (University of Victoria), K. Adamo (University of Ottawa), J-P. Baillargeon (University of Sherbrooke), E. Brennand (University of Calgary), A. Daniel (University of Alberta), N. Heslehurst (Newcastle University), H. Piccinini-Vallis (Dalhousie University)
Funding: SSHRC Insight Development Grant
Co-Designing an anti-weight stigma learning tool for health professionals with women living with obesity
We will be working with Obesity Canada and Fallout Media to develop a toolkit that will include scenario/simulation based education videos on weight stigma in pregnancy for medical students and residents, and a self-reflection guide. This toolkit will be co-developed with patient representatives with lived experience of weight stigma in prenatal care.
Team: T. Nagpal (University of Alberta), R. Yeung (University of Alberta), T. Sajwani (Edmonton Weight Management Centre), N. Pearce (Obesity Canada)
Funding: WCHRI Innovation Grant
What does obesity during pregnancy look like? Changing the narrative on obesity during pregnancy by empowering patients to share their stories
In collaboration with Obesity Canada, we are going to be doing an online photovoice project to gather positive images and stories of pregnancy experiences and representation of obesity during pregnancy. Some images will also be made available for use in the Obesity Canada image bank which showcases positive images of living with obesity, like individuals engaging in physical activity, socializing, and recieving high quality care.
Team: T. Nagpal (University of Alberta), T. Sajwani (Edmonton Weight Management Centre), N. Pearce (Obesity Canada), I. Patton (Obesity Canada), M. Davenport (University of Alberta)
Funding: Diabetes, Obesity, Nutrition Scientific Network Seed Grant