Perceived intrinsic, social, and environmental barriers for weight management in older Hispanic/Latino adults with obesity

Abstract

Background The burden of obesity and chronic disease is increasing in the older US Hispanic/Latino adult population. There is limited evidence on successful weight management strategies as perceived by this population. Assessing barriers and opportunities for weight management using mixed methods is a robust approach to collect in‐depth information that can be applied to the development of well‐tailored weight management interventions for this population. Objective The objective of this study was to assess perceived individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors that influence weight management in older Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods This community‐based cross‐sectional study included 23 Hispanic/Latino older (>50y) adults with obesity (BMI >30 kg/m2). Perceived barriers and opportunities for weight management were assessed through validated questionnaires and focus groups. Prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03978416) on 7 June 2019. Results In this demographically heterogeneous population, language acculturation was generally low, and the frequency of poor dietary behaviors was high. Participants linked financial strain to lower diet quality, as well as anxiety to uncontrolled eating and food cravings. Social support and trust in healthcare professionals were perceived as priorities for healthy eating. Structural and environmental barriers such as affordability and availability of culturally preferred foods were also identified as influences on food choices and eating behavior. Conclusions This study revealed opportunities for culturally tailored weight management interventions in older Hispanic/Latino adults with obesity. Clinical Trial Registry Number NCT03978416 (http://ClinicalTrials.gov)

A qualitative study of perceived barriers and facilitators to interrupting sedentary behavior among adults living with obesity

“…A recent systematic review exploring factors that are associated with SB in adults living with obesity, identified only 12 studies with few and weak associations, found no evidence for a consistent association and found no qualitative studies examining SB associations in this population. 14 Furthermore, while qualitative studies have focused on perceived determinants of weight loss, 15 obesity management, 16 physical activity, 17 healthy lifestyle or nutrition 18 in adults with obesity or adolescents, 19 few use a theoretical framework from study design through analysis. 20,21 Evidence for the effectiveness of SB interventions is also mixed or lacking, particularly outside the workplace, 22 and although some non-workplace interventions show promise, few target adults with obesity or explicitly report theoretical constructs 23 which would enhance replicability.…”

“…A recent systematic review exploring factors that are associated with SB in adults living with obesity, identified only 12 studies with few and weak associations, found no evidence for a consistent association and found no qualitative studies examining SB associations in this population. 14 Furthermore, while qualitative studies have focused on perceived determinants of weight loss, 15 obesity management, 16 physical activity, 17 healthy lifestyle or nutrition 18 in adults with obesity or adolescents, 19 few use a theoretical framework from study design through analysis. 20 , 21 …”