The motivation and opportunities for weight loss related to the everyday life of people with obesity: A qualitative analysis within the DO:IT study

Abstract

Background Unsuccessful weight loss or weight loss maintenance is due to different barriers and physical limitations related to participation in everyday life. It will, therefore, be relevant to investigate the field from an occupational therapy perspective, since occupational therapists are uniquely trained in focussing on people’s resources, meaningfulness and participation in everyday life. Aim The aim was to explore what motivates people to lose weight from an OT perspective and which opportunities people with obesity experience in their everyday lives to achieve and maintain lost weight. Material and Methods A descriptive phenomenological study including 21 semi-structured individual interviews was conducted as part of the DO:IT study. Results The data analysis led to the identification of three main themes: The influence of external circumstances on the desire for weight loss; use of time in everyday life; and changes in habits, routines and structure. Conclusion People who are overweight or obese are motivated to lose weight because of health issues and feeling more comfortable with their body. The opportunities for weight loss lie in creating habits, routines and structuring everyday life activities to facilitate a healthier lifestyle. Significance The findings indicate that an occupational therapist should be part of weight-loss interventions.