What do young women with obesity want from a weight management program?
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
What do young women with obesity want from a weight management program? Natalie D. Crino1 · Helen M. Parker1,2 · Janelle A. Gifford2 · K. Y. Karen Lau3 · Eliya M. Greenfield1 · Cheyne E. Donges4 · Nicholas J. O’Dwyer1,2,4 · Katharine S. Steinbeck5 · Helen T. O’Connor1,6 Received: 6 March 2019 / Accepted: 27 July 2019 © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019
Abstract Purpose Early adulthood is a high-risk time for weight gain; however, young women with obesity are difficult to recruit to weight management programs. To encourage participation and retention, it is important to understand what young women want from these programs. The purpose of the study was to explore participants’ perspectives on the features of an ideal weight management program. Methods Semi-structured interview schedules were used to elicit information from eight focus groups [27 women; mean age of 29.1 (± 5.1) years, mean body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) of 35.8 (± 2.9)]. The focus groups were transcribed, coded and analyzed qualitatively. Results The themes that emerged were program content, format, program characteristics, program name, location and duration. A major finding from the study is that participants value a program that includes nutritional, psychological and lifestyle interventions, and includes components that are not traditionally part of weight management programs such as body acceptance, sexual health and dressing and grooming. A program name that conveys wellness and body positivity was valued. Participants highlighted the importance of individualized programs that are also tailored to the needs of young adults, and delivered by credible and approachable staff who provide accountability. Cost-effectiveness, flexibility, accessibility, time-commitment were important considerations and the use of a combination of virtual and in-person methods (including group interventions) appealed to this cohort. Conclusion Knowledge of program features which resonate with young women facilitates development of innovative ways to engage and support evidence-based weight management in this vulnerable group. Level of evidence V. Keywords Weight management program · Young women with obesity
Introduction Early adulthood is a high-risk time for weight gain, particularly amongst young women [1–4]. Obesity increases physical health risks, such as metabolic abnormalities and chronic disease [5–7], and psychological risks such as body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, depression, social withdrawal, interpersonal difficulties and stress [8–10]. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-019-00763-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. * Natalie D. Crino [email protected] Extended author information available on the last page of the article
Engaging young women in weight management programs involves unique challenges. This developmental stage involves major life transitions, balancing multiple priorities [2–5, 11–13] and chang
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