Primary care-led weight-management intervention: qualitative insights into patient experiences at one-year follow up

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The global prevalence of overweight and obesity is continuously increasing. Long-term weight loss results remain disappointing. This study aims to identify factors and strategies for successful long-term weight loss in a primary care-led weight-loss intervention from the perspective of participants.

Materials and methods

This qualitative interview study is the first follow-up study in a 2-year study series of participants with overweight or obesity. Methods utilized are semi-structured interviews (n = 20) with quantitative self-description. The data were transcribed from audio-taped interviews and analysed thematically.

Results

This study found that clear, continuously evolving self-monitoring strategies facilitated by strong routines and a long-term focus enhanced successful outcomes. Challenges faced included stress, disappointment and loss of routine along with external criticism and discouragement. Benefits experienced due to weight loss included improved health, self-esteem, communal support and encouragement, which continued to fuel motivation. Receiving continuous support and encouragement from healthcare practitioners was instrumental for long-term success.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the complex, multifaceted experiences patients encounter in the pursuit of trying to achieve long-term weight loss. Personalized treatment protocols taking into account the diverse requirements and circumstances of individuals have the potential to improve treatment outcomes. Continuous, professional support may enhance long-term outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Obesity
• long-term weight loss
• obesity management
• weight management
• weight-loss
• sustainable weight-loss

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Dr. Barbara Groot for her valuable input as a qualitative research expert and our participant cohort without whom this research would not have been possible.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2023.2256669

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes on contributors

Marie Spreckley

Marie Spreckley MSc MBus is a PhD candidate at the department of health sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and a Senior Programme Manager at Queen Mary University of London. She has a special interest in sustainable weight loss and obesity management.

Judith de Lange

Judith de Lange is a Project Manager in the international public health sector, with a background in nutrition. She has a special interest in health prevention and promotion using education and digital tools.

Jaap Seidell

Jaap Seidell is a professor of nutrition and health at the department of health sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with a special interest in the prevention and management of obesity.

Jutka Halberstadt

Jutka Halberstadt is an assistant professor at the department of health sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She has a special interest in integrated health care for children and adults with overweight and obesity.