“It’s not like a fat camp” — A focus group study of adolescents’ experiences on group-based obesity treatment

Abstract

BackgroundThe health burden related to obesity is rising among children and adolescents along with the general population worldwide. For the individual as well as the society this trend is alarming. Several factors are driving the trend, and the solution seems to be multifaceted because long-lasting treatment alternatives are lacking. This study aims to explore adolescents’ and young adults’ motivation for attending group-based obesity treatment and social and environmental factors that can facilitate or hinder lifestyle change.MethodsIn this study, we arranged three focus groups with 17 participants from different obesity treatment programs in the west and south of Norway. The content in these programs differed, but they all used Motivational Interviewing as a teaching method. We conducted a data-driven analysis using systematic text condensation. Self-determination theory has been used as an explanatory framework.ResultsWe identified four major themes: 1) motivation, 2) body experience and self-image, 3) relationships and sense of belonging, and 4) the road ahead. Many of the participants expressed external motivation to participate but experienced increasing inner motivation and enjoyment during the treatment. Several participants reported negative experiences related to being obese and appreciated group affiliation and sharing experiences with other participants.ConclusionMotivation may shift during a lifestyle course. Facilitating factors include achieving and experiencing positive outcomes as well as gaining autonomy support from other course participants and friends. Obstacles to change were a widespread obesogenic environment as well as feelings of guilt, little trust in personal achievements and non-supporting friends.

Viewpoints of adolescents with overweight and obesity attending lifestyle obesity treatment interventions: a qualitative systematic review

“…Another avenue of support that appears to be valued highly by adolescents was their own family (8,31,33,34,36,37,39,40,43,(45)(46)(47)(48)(49)51). Family support gave adolescents continued motivation and encouragement to continue with their weight loss attempts (31).…”

“…Adolescents also valued support from their peers (8,31,33,34,(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)43,46,48,49,51,53,56,57). Adolescents described being around their peers as a security blanket, allowing them to feel comfortable and confident (34).…”

“…Adolescents from seven of the included studies reported prior fears of attending an intervention (32,33,37,38,40,46,54). obesity reviews activities, type of food on offer or incorrect preconceptions.…”

“…Most adolescents commented on their enjoyment of taking part in exercise (31,33,38,40,41,(43)(44)(45)(46)50,51,54). Again, fun was an important element.…”

Associação entre o estado nutricional e o desempenho em testes de aptidão física em adolescentes do município de São Caetano do Sul, SP: um estudo transversal

“…Notas: * EUROFIT: conjunto de testes de aptidão física padronizado pelo Conselho da Europa para avaliação crianças e adolescentes escolares europeus(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18) anos). FitnessGram: conjunto de testes de aptidão física padronizado pelo Cooper Institute para avaliação de crianças e adolescentes escolares americanos (5-17 anos).…”