Cognitive and behavioural strategies for self‐directed weight loss: systematic review of qualitative studies

Abstract

SummaryAimWe conducted a systematic review of qualitative studies to examine the strategies people employ as part of self‐directed weight loss attempts, map these to an existing behaviour change taxonomy and explore attitudes and beliefs surrounding these strategies.MethodsSeven electronic databases were searched in December 2015 for qualitative studies in overweight and obese adults attempting to lose weight through behaviour change. We were interested in strategies used by participants in self‐directed efforts to lose weight. Two reviewers extracted data from included studies. Thematic and narrative synthesis techniques were used.ResultsThirty one studies, representing over 1,000 participants, were included. Quality of the included studies was mixed. The most commonly covered types of strategies were restrictions, self‐monitoring, scheduling, professional support and weight management aids. With the exception of scheduling, for which participant experiences were predominantly positive, participants' attitudes and beliefs surrounding implementation of these groups of strategies were mixed. Two new groups of strategies were added to the existing taxonomy: reframing and self‐experimentation.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates that at present, interventions targeting individuals engaged in self‐management of weight do not necessarily reflect lived experiences of self‐directed weight loss.

Experiences of Reframing during Self‐Directed Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance: Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

“…Although Hartmann‐Boyce et al. () describe reframing as a new strategy, the data were not analyzed in that report and it simply noted the phenomenon.…”

“…Methods for searching, screening, and data extraction are described in brief below but have been published in Hartmann‐Boyce et al. () and Hartmann‐Boyce, Fletcher, Jebb, and Aveyard (). These searches were updated and this analysis includes only those studies found in the previous and updated search in which content on reframing was identified.…”

“…These searches were updated and this analysis includes only those studies found in the previous and updated search in which content on reframing was identified. Although Hartmann-Boyce et al (2017) describe reframing as a new strategy, the data were not analyzed in that report and it simply noted the phenomenon.…”

Cognitive and behavioural strategies employed to overcome “lapses” and prevent “relapse” among weight‐loss maintainers and regainers: A qualitative study

“…Participants desired continual monitoring by a someone else, echoing evidence that soliciting assistance has been found to increase accountability, enhance motivational support and is acceptabile 21,25,28,39 . However, these reports may also be attributable to the memory of successful weight‐loss during WW when they were weighed at each meeting.…”

“…Indeed, many participants were likely to be still aiming for weight‐loss rather than maintenance, and may have limited experience of lapses and relapse. Evidence suggests that implementation of strategies and challenges in weight management change over time 26‐28 . For example, in a recent study, Pedersen et al 27 explored whether self‐regulation of food intake differed between short and long‐term weight loss maintainers, finding key differences around planning, shopping/storing and preparing/cooking behaviours.…”