Treating obesity: A qualitative evaluation of a lifestyle intervention for weight reduction

Abstract

Objective To identify which factors are considered important for eating habits and weight change in obese participants in a one-year weight reduction programme at a primary health care centre. Design A qualitative study of factors affecting participants' eating habits and weight change before, during and after the programme. Settiiig The primary health care centre where the programme was taking place. Method Fifteen participants were interviewed three times during the programme and once one year after the intervention programme had ended. Results Fourteen participants described how emotion and factors other than hunger, such as stress, need for affinity, depression, worry or tiredness affected their eating habits. The only participant to describe 'hunger' as the only reason for eating reached the greatest weight reduction after two years. Emotional eating continued to affect the eating habits and weight gain of all other participants. Conclusion If emotion and factors other than hunger that are associated with eating habits that lead to obesity are not addressed, the treatment needs are never met. Thus a motivational phase including an emotional evaluation of the problem behaviour and preparation for a change in lifestyle preceding the actual change of behaviour would be valuable. This would provide an opportunity to address emotional factors and reasons other than hunger associated with excessive eating, as well as emotional factors associated with behavioural change. Furthermore, a period of supported maintenance of achieved weight loss should be included in weight reduction programmes.