Below are research opportunities shared with the NAAFA community
NAAFA is not conducting these studies. This is our effort to support research about fat community, weight stigma, and activism. These opportunities have been vetted, but we ask that you proceed with caution, prioritizing your safety and wellbeing.
If you’re conducting research and would like NAAFA to feature your study, please complete this form. Listings are approved on a case-by-case basis.
Format: Online Survey
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Researcher & Affiliation: Brandon Macsata, Plus Inc.
Link: Navigating Healthcare Survey
Description: Navigating healthcare decisions is difficult, especially in the United States, where the healthcare landscape differs widely from state to state and even county to county. These decisions are made even harder when any commercial health insurer, employer-sponsored health plan, or government health program that pays for healthcare services serves as an additional hurdle to accessing the healthcare services you need. Think about any time you've passed through this complex healthcare maze and how you felt about it. PlusInc invites you to take a few minutes and share your thoughts with us...
Participant Criteria: Resident of the US, Age 18+
Compensation: N/A
Format: Survey, virtual interviews, in-person focus group (in Portland, Oregon)
Deadline: August 25, 2025
Researcher & Affiliation: Danielle Maveal, Lewis & Clark College
Link: Understanding the experience of being fat in therapy
Description: This study uses surveys, interviews, and an art-based focus group to center the voices and imagined futures of fat clients in therapy. It aims to understand anti-fat bias in mental health settings and offer clients' insights for more affirming, size-inclusive therapy practices.
Participant Criteria: Fat-identifying people in the U.S. who’ve received mental health care in the past 10 years.
Compensation: N/A
Format: Online Survey
Deadline: N/A
Researcher & Affiliation: Ieva Miltina, Body Liberation Network
Link: Stories of Fat Bodies
Description: Body Liberation Network is looking for fat European voices to share their lived experiences in a multi-national survey. By collecting data and anonymized personal stories, we aim to raise awareness, challenge harmful stereotypes, and advocate for policy changes that promote body diversity and acceptance.
Participant Criteria: Live in the EU and identify as fat.
Compensation: N/A
Additional Information: This survey is available in nine languages.