Designing a Co-created Intervention to Promote Motivation and Maintenance of Time-Restricted Eating in Individuals With Overweight and Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

ObjectiveTo design an appealing time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention by exploring behavioral and social mechanisms to improve TRE adoption and maintenance among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight. Time-restricted eating is an intermittent fasting regimen suggested to improve glycemic control and body weight. MethodsIntervention development combined coherence theory and empirical data (workshops and semistructured interviews with the target group, their relatives, and health care professionals [HCPs]). Abductive analysis was applied. ResultsThe analysis suggested designing the TRE intervention in 2 phases: a short period with strict TRE, followed by a longer period focusing on adapting TRE to individual needs with support from HCPs, relatives, and peers. To reinforce TRE motivation and maintenance, HCPs should adopt a whole-person approach that focuses on participants’ previous experiences. Conclusions and ImplicationsImportant intervention elements to promote TRE adoption and maintenance are suggested to include a 2-phase design and support from professionals, family, and peers.