QU hosts activity to promote body positivity among female students

Qatar University (QU) Public health students conducted an activity on health at every size promotion focused on increasing body positivity and reducing internalized weightbased oppression in female students.

The results have been published in the prestigious journal Body Image. Senior students from the QU Department of Public Health, Sana Elashie, and Hanaa Ahmed, under the supervision of Dr. Lily O’Hara, Associate Professor of Public Health, were supported by a QU Student Research Grant to evaluate the activity using a mix of methods including an online questionnaire and interview. The evaluation demonstrated that body acceptance and appreciation increased significantly after the event and were sustained at the 10-week follow-up. Dr. Lily explained, “Weightbased oppression, including negative attitudes about body weight, and harassment, stigma, and discrimination based on body weight, is a widespread phenomenon that leads to considerable distress and poor health and wellbeing outcomes.