In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Brooke Harcourt, an experienced paediatric dietitian and researcher, to explore how dietitians can support children living with overweight or obesity using a compassionate, evidence-based approach. Brooke unpacks the evolving landscape of paediatric obesity care, including the impact of weight stigma, the shift toward non-diet, weight-inclusive practice, and how to build trust with families. We also touch on the emerging use of GLP-1 medications in adolescents and when these rare, specialist-led cases may be considered. Tune in for practical strategies, language tips and real-world insights to support families with care.
Hosted by Bec Sparrowhawk
Biography
Dr Brooke Harcourt is an approachable Accredited Practicing Dietitian and nutrition therapist with over a decade of experience in infant and child nutrition and metabolism conditions. She is nationally and internationally recognised for her medical research into endocrine conditions having completed research fellowships at the UQ Translational Research Institute, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, the Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Brooke runs a large private practice, Family Dietetics, and a specialised ‘Therapy Kitchen’, where her and the team take a practical approach to attainable nutrition through feeding therapy and food learning programs in a real kitchen therapy environment. She also offers dietetics services at specialist paediatric centres, eating disorder services and the Victorian Department of Corrections and Youth Justice System. Brooke has a particular passion for helping infants and young people establish healthy growth curves, overcome eating disorders and traumatic feeding histories, and improving nutrition access for young people with disability, developmental and neurodevelopmental conditions.
In this episode, we discuss how to:
- Actively challenge weight stigma and create a safe space for families.
- Communicate with confidence using language that empowers, not shames.
- Prioritise validating families’ experiences and setting achievable, health-focused goals.
- Understand the clinical context of GLP-1 use in adolescents
DISCLAIMER: In this episode, we’ll use clinical terms like ‘childhood obesity’ when needed to reflect current guidelines – but our focus is firmly on weight-inclusive, family-centred approaches that support health without stigma. This episode is targeted to dietitians with experience in paediatrics.
Additional resources
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