Health professionals’ perceptions of weight loss programmes and recommendations for future implementation: a qualitative study

Abstract

ObjectiveObesity is an increasing public health challenge and most weight loss programmes are still inadequate to support sustainable weight loss. One reason for the continued lack of success might be the dominant biomedical, individualised approach to weight loss. Holistic approaches that focus on overall health and well-being in addition to weight loss are increasingly recommended. In Denmark, health professionals in the municipalities are responsible for developing and conducting weight loss programmes. The objective of this study was to explore what health professional’s perceived as an ideal, holistic weight loss programme that could be feasibly implemented in the municipalities.DesignA phenomenological-hermeneutical qualitative study was performed using semistructured interviews.SettingThirty-two Danish municipalities were weight loss programmes are developed and conducted.ParticipantsThirty-five health professionals with experience conducting weight loss programmes.ResultsThree themes emerged from the analysis: Support from the social network are important both during and after a weight loss, Changing the self-belief by positive discussions and doing activities, Maintaining changes through daily life.ConclusionFuture municipal weight loss programmes should emphasise overall health and well-being instead of weight loss and adopt a holistic approach including a focus on social relationships, meaningful activities and successes as part of a balanced daily life.

Five Vital Components in an Occupational Therapy-Based Municipal Weight Loss Program Obtained Through Research Circles

“…Weight loss and weight loss sustainability are often seen as two different phases, with the sustainability phase understood as an extended care model ( 7 ). One way of going through these phases is by structuring everyday life by doing the same activities at the same time almost everyday day ( 14 , 15 ). This is extended in this study by using the word “a flexible structure” including words like variation and meaning indicating an integration of the two phases.…”

“…The methodology emphasises collaborative cooperation between researchers and participants to develop knowledge through discussions and reflections. We applied the principles of RC methodology with the aim of discussing strategies relating to the five components obtained from the previously conducted 66 interviews ( 14 , 15 ). In accordance with the Danish National Committee of Health Research Ethics, ethical approval is not required for studies that include only interviews.…”

“…In our previous finding content for a transdisciplinary collaboration was included, however specific knowledge about the role of occupational therapists in the collaboration seems to be missing ( 15 ). Inclusion criteria for the occupational therapists were that they had worked with group-based weight loss rehabilitation programs in a municipal setting at least three times before.…”

“…The studies, based on 66 individual interviews, showed that both groups wanted to focus on meaningfulness rather than narrow components like sports and calories, and that it should be implemented in everyday life if sustained weight loss and increased well-being were to be realistic outcomes. The two groups agreed that five components of a trustworthy program should be diet, physical activities, social relations, habits and balancing everyday life ( 14 , 15 ).…”

Preferred Content in Occupational Therapy-Based Weight Loss Interventions: A Survey

“…More than 100 relevant stakeholders have been interviewed including dieticians, municipal workers, OTs, general practitioners and more. Some of this data was recently published (Jessen-Winge et al, 2021;Jessen-Winge, Ilvig, Thilsing, et al, 2020). Findings from these studies revealed five components regarded both by health professional and participants as necessary in effective weight loss interventions.…”