Canadian dietitians' understanding of non-dieting approaches in weight management.

Purpose: How Canadian dietitians define and use non-dieting and size acceptance approaches (SAAs) in the context of weight management was explored. Methods: Fifteen focus groups with 104 dietitians were conducted in seven Canadian cities. Questions were designed to explore participants’ understanding and use of non-dieting and SAAs, including counselling goals, techniques, and outcome measures. Sessions were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using qualitative methods. Results: Participants generally agreed that non-dieting involves promoting healthy lifestyles and avoiding restrictive diets. Participants also agreed that size acceptance means accepting all body shapes and sizes and promoting comfort with one's body. Many dietitians said they use size acceptance only with appropriate clients, most often with those who are lighter or without other health risks. Others said that size acceptance, by definition, is appropriate for everyone. Opinions varied about the appropriateness of te...