Individual vs group-based strategies for weight loss and management in adults: pen profile perspectives

Abstract

BackgroundObesity and overweightness are major public health concerns, especially because of the association between non-communicable diseases and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, the financial burden for the National Health Service and wider society attributed to overweightness is estimated at £27 billion. Although promotion of group-based strategies for potential weight loss has grown, individual preferences and perceptions of weight-management strategies are less well known. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of barriers, facilitators, strategies, and successes for individual versus group-based weight management programmes in overweight adults. MethodsA convenience sample, recruited through personal contact, of 42 overweight adults (body-mass index ≥25 kg/m2, age 32–63 years) volunteered to take part in this study. All participants subsequently completed a 3-month group-based (n=21) or self-monitoring (n=21) weight-loss programme. After 3 months, all participants completed a semi-structured interview (60 min [SD 7]) to explore individual perceptions of barriers, facilitators, strategies, and successes. Qualitative data were analysed using pen profiles, which were constructed from verbatim transcripts. FindingsConvergent themes were found for individual and group strategies for facilitators (organisation and influence of cooking skills), strategies (freedom, enjoyment, and ease), and successes (self-control, health improvement, and weight loss). Divergent themes emerged between groups for barriers; group participants highlighted expense of commercial products, and knowledge of nutrition and dieting, whereas individual participants reported lack of social support from peers, lack of motivation, and occupation. InterpretationAlthough facilitators, strategies, and successes in the two weight-loss approaches were similar, divergent perceived barriers emerged. Therefore, key stakeholders, facilitators, and individuals should consider these factors before advocating any one particular weight-loss strategy. FundingNone.