Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MSc)

Department

Health Science

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Robb Travers

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Second Advisor

Ketan Shankardass

Advisor Role

Internal Committee Member

Abstract

Health-related undergraduate programs are common pathways for future health care providers and play a critical role in shaping attitudes toward weight, as biases formed during training often carry over into professional practice. While weight stigma (WS) has been examined among practicing professionals and medical students, little is known about how it is experienced by undergraduate students in different health-related programs, particularly across the weight spectrum. This qualitative study contributes to closing this gap by exploring and comparing how students in one kinesiology and one health sciences program experience WS within an academic setting.

Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, open-ended survey responses (n = 138) were analyzed. Three key themes were identified: curriculum and course content, classroom environment, and program-specific assumptions and judgements. Kinesiology students often emphasized individual responsibility for health and adopted more rigid, weight-centric perspectives. In contrast, health sciences students tended to demonstrate a more holistic understanding of health, uniquely incorporating the social determinants of health into their responses. Participants across both programs reported stigmatizing experiences involving faculty, peers, and curricular practices (e.g., public weigh-ins, calorie-tracking assignments), contributing to a range of adverse outcomes such as internalized stigma, exclusion, and self-scrutiny.

Notably, students in both larger and smaller bodies described stigma-related harm, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches that address WS across the weight spectrum. These findings have significant implications for curriculum reform, faculty development, and student well-being, and can inform more equitable, weight-inclusive health care education and practice.

Convocation Year

2025

Convocation Season

Fall

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Available for download on Tuesday, June 16, 2026

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