Taniya Nagpal, PhD
Contact
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation - Academic Programs
- tnagpal@ualberta.ca
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
Maternal Health; Obesity; Stigma; Adherence; Physical Activity
About
Bachelor's of Health Sciences (2014) - The University of Western Ontario
PhD Kinesiology (2019) - The University of Western Ontario
Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2019 - 2021) - The University of Ottawa, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
I was born in India, and immigrated with my family to Canada in 1996. I grew up in Mississauga, Ontario. As a first generation Canadian to pursue academia in my family, I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have had; in addition to my research interests, I am also passionate about being engaged in activities that aim to promote and improve accessibility to research opportunities for students who are from underrepresented backgrounds. I am actively involved with various health promotion organizations such as Obesity Canada (Education Team Member), American College of Sports Medicine (Pregnancy and Postpartum Special Interest Group Executive), International Society of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity (Co-Chair Children and Families Special Interest Group) and Exercise is Medicine Canada (Co-Director, On Campus Program). If not in the office or teaching, I can be found spending time with my family, at yoga, hiking, or watching Harry Potter and Disney movies.
Research
My research program explores psychosocial factors, such as weight stigma, and the relationship with biopsychosocial outcomes and adherence to health behaviours like physical activity in the reproductive years (preconception, pregnancy, postpartum). Applying an intersectional lens, this research specifically aims to understand and conceptualize experiences of stigma (e.g., sources of stigma, person-informed strategies to reduce stigma) individuals may encounter in the reproductive years, and among those who may have intersecting stigmatized identities or biopsychological health conditions. Working closely with maternal healthcare providers, we will also develop and test resources and continuing education opportunities to improve weight related attitudes, sensitive discussions with a focus on reducing stigma, and improving lifestyle counselling incorporating physical activity. Additionally, this research program includes designing and testing inclusive physical activity interventions in the reproductive years, applying evidence-based and person-informed behaviour change strategies to improve adherence.
Select Recent Publications:
T.S. Nagpal, S.C.S. Souza, M. Moffat, L. Hayes, T. Nuyts, R.H. Liu, S. Dervis, A. Bogaerts, K.B. Adamo, H. Piccinini-Vallis, N. Heslehurst. (2022). Does prepregnancy weight change have an effect on subsequent health outcome? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 23(1): e13324. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13324
T.S. Nagpal, R.H. Liu, M. Myre, L. Gaudet, J. Cook, D.F. da Silva, K.B. Adamo. (2022). Weight stigma and prenatal physical activity: Exploring the perspectives of pregnant women living with obesity. Midwifery, 104: 103186. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2021.103186
T.S. Nagpal, J.A. Tomiyama, A.C. Incollingo Rodriguez. (2021). Beyond body mass index: Weight stigma concerns during pregnancy and prenatal complications. Primary Care Diabetes, 15(6): 1107-1109. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pcd.2021.07.002
A.C. Incollingo Rodriguez, T.S. Nagpal. (2021). The WOMBS Framework: A review and new theoretical model for investigating pregnancy-related weight stigma and its intergenerational implications. Obesity Reviews, 22(12): e13322. https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13322
Announcements
If you are interested in learning more about this research, including potential opportunities to volunteer and for undergraduate thesis projects please email Dr. Taniya Nagpal: tnagpal@ualberta.ca No previous research or lab experience required, just a curiosity in the research area and a willingness to learn.
Visit our lab website- LEA(p)P(p)S: https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/leappps
Learning from Experiences, Adherence (preconception)Pregnancy(postpartum), Stigma
Courses
HE ED 320 - Social Dimensions of Health and Health Promotion
An examination of contemporary, social, political and economic factors as they affect health and well-being, with a particular focus on understanding the social determinants of health.
HE ED 321 - Psychological Dimensions of Health Promotion
An individual-based analysis of health-related behavior and behavior change. Emphasis will be placed upon social psychological approaches to understanding and changing such health-related behaviors as physical activity involvement, dietary practices, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse within a social context.
KRLS 500A - Senior Undergraduate Research Thesis
Students will pursue a topic of interest at an advanced level in an area relevant to their program of studies in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation and engage in an intensive self-directed study implementation under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to complete a detailed research proposal (with literature review and ethics approval if appropriate) in the Fall Term and the implementation of the study in the Winter Term. The Senior Undergraduate thesis involves the definition of an independent research proposal from the student, as well as the implementation of the research project, submission of the completed undergraduate research thesis, and a formal presentation of the project findings. NOTE: Students must arrange for a faculty member approved by the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation to oversee their thesis. Permission for enrollment in this course is required from the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Students must contact their assigned academic advisor for information regarding application and completion requirements. Students must be in their fourth or final year standing in a Faculty of KSR undergraduate program and have achieved a cumulative GPA of a minimum of 3.0 at the time of application.
KRLS 500B - Senior Undergraduate Research Thesis
Students will pursue a topic of interest at an advanced level in an area relevant to their program of studies in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation and engage in an intensive self-directed study implementation under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are required to complete a detailed research proposal (with literature review and ethics approval if appropriate) in the Fall Term and the implementation of the study in the Winter Term. The Senior Undergraduate thesis involves the definition of an independent research proposal from the student, as well as the implementation of the research project, submission of the completed undergraduate research thesis, and a formal presentation of the project findings. NOTE: Students must arrange for a faculty member approved by the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation to oversee their thesis. Permission for enrollment in this course is required from the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation. Students must contact their assigned academic advisor for information regarding application and completion requirements. Students must be in their fourth or final year standing in a Faculty of KSR undergraduate program and have achieved a cumulative GPA of a minimum of 3.0 at the time of application.