Put Yourself in My Shoes: Perspectives of Adolescents about What Makes an Obesity Intervention Effective

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the adolescents' perspectives about 1) the changing process promoted by a weight management program; 2) the factors which may act as facilitators and barriers to obesity management; 3) the strategies that should be included in order to design a successful weight management program. Methods: Data were collected by in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 16 overweight adolescents, aged 12-18 years. Thematic analysis was used for analysing the data. Results: Findings suggest that attributions (internal and external), functions (barriers and facilitators) and perceptual changes (lifestyle and body and mind changes) play distinct roles in the changing process. Interactions recognized as high quality ones, acquisition of new knowledge and competencies and encouragement throughout the process, were identified as facilitators. Negative patterns of interaction, collection of anthropometric data and internal resistances, were identified as barriers. The relevance of developing systemic interventions including family and peers, and the use of Information and Communication Technologies were highlighted. Conclusion: This study aims to contribute for a deeper understanding of the factors and processes behind adherence to weight management. Implications for the design of future more effective strategies and implementation of appropriate interventions are discussed.

Cross‐sectional study showed psychosocial variables, gender and family involvement played an important role in an adolescent weight management programme

“…These dynamics are a major challenge for clinical practice and for research. Our data support other studies, suggesting the relevance of the family as a crucial context for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and highlighting the impact that moving the focus of the intervention from the adolescent to the family may have (30).…”

“…Our data support other studies, suggesting the relevance of the family as a crucial context for the promotion of healthy lifestyles and highlighting the impact that moving the focus of the intervention from the adolescent to the family may have (30). These dynamics are a major challenge for clinical practice and for research.…”

Effectiveness analysis of an internet-based intervention for overweight adolescents: next steps for researchers and clinicians

“…Although these variables are secondary outcomes, they have been pointed out as most influential on weight management. For example, a recent qualitative study [ 20 ] identified positivity, i.e., the generation of positive emotions, as a relevant feature of a ICT effective weight management program.…”

The ‘Stages towards Completion Model’: what helps and hinders children with overweight or obesity and their parents to be guided towards, adhere to and complete a group lifestyle intervention

“…Satisfaction with the intervention is based on: the focus of and activities in the programme (Barlow & Ohlemeyer, 2006), the relationship with the coaches and other participants (Prioste, Fonseca, Sousa, Gaspar, & Francisco, 2015;Smith et al, 2014) and whether expectations are met (Sallinen et al, 2013). A lack of trust or connection with coaches and participants or disliking activities or the group dynamics may be barriers to adherence (Nobles et al, 2016).…”