Abstract
Aim: To explore how female participants viewed commercial weight-management programmes (CWMPs) and how the programmes compare to NICE guidelines. Method: The sample comprised 12 female volunteers who were university employees and had attended a CWMP in the last 5 years. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Results: The calculation of target weights and rate of weight loss encouraged varied between programmes. Participants reported choosing lower calorie options and reducing portion sizes while adhering to the CWMP diet. There was some evidence that participants ate large quantities of 'unlimited' foods. Participants were uncomfortable with the promotion of branded products at CWMP meetings. All participants valued the weigh-in and felt accountable to the individual weighing them. The meetings included behaviour-change techniques, including group discussions, but the majority of participants elected to avoid these elements. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that CWMPs vary in their accordance with national guidelines. The extent to which CWMPs enable adults to manage their weight in the long term warrants further study.
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