A qualitative exploration of facilitators and barriers to weight‐loss maintenance in premenopausal women

Abstract

Few women are successful at weight‐loss maintenance (WLM), due to a limited understanding of facilitators and barriers to achieving WLM. To explore facilitators and barriers to WLM, 7 focus groups were conducted with women who participated in a primary, 18‐wk randomized clinical trial that promoted weight loss with an energy‐restricted diet. Focus groups were held in a private room, tape‐recorded, and led by a moderator and co‐facilitator. Tapes were transcribed verbatim; phenomenologic analysis was used to evaluate transcripts for common themes. Women (n=23, mean±SD age: 39.4±6.2 y, BMI: 30.0±6.2 kg/m2) perceived awareness and mindfulness of food choices, exercise, support, accountability and self‐motivation as facilitators of WLM. Barriers included aging, heath status changes, internal factors, environmental pressures and lack of accountability or support. Consuming unprocessed foods; emphasizing fruits/vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low‐fat dairy; planning ahead and being mindful of food choices and portion control; keeping a food journal; following consistent eating patterns of frequency and snack consumption; and maintaining a “fresh‐slate” mindset were additional strategies for WLM. Future interventions should target these facilitators and barriers to promote long‐term WLM in women.Funded by The Hershey Center for Health and Nutrition, The Hershey Company, Hershey, PA.