An interpretive phenomenological analysis study exploring the lived experience of personal growth in individuals who have experienced weight loss during a structured weight loss programme

Abstract

As a weight loss intervention, a personalised therapeutic approach is complex due to the psychological limitations obesity places on an individual's well-being. Considering how to enhance a personalised therapeutic approach, furthering first-person perspectives of the positive psychological aspects of weight loss could enhance therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to describe what it is like for individuals who have experienced personal growth as a consequence of losing weight during a structured weight loss programme and to support a novel evidence-based therapeutic approach to weight loss. This qualitative study applied Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in design and analysis. Using a phenomenological lens to explore the phenomenon, semi-structured interviews with a purposive, reasonably homogeneous sample of four female participants, aged between 22-55 years, who shared similar experiences of weight loss of one year or longer who were recruited using a respondent-driven sampling strategy. Three main themes of the experience of personal growth emerged on the journey of weight loss: (1) being physically large, the unknown self; (2) evolving from shame to self awareness and (3) finding self-awareness. This paper has explored real-life aspects of personal growth as a positive consequence of weight loss. These findings advocate enhancing the therapeutic approach to weight loss by exploring positive psychological aspects pertinent to clients, which may improve outcomes based on understanding the client's values and strengthen the therapeutic relationship.