Men, Physical Activity, and the Obesity Discourse: Critical Understandings from a Qualitative Study

2008 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee F. Monaghan
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Symbolic Violence ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Obesity Discourse

This article explores men’s talk about physical activity, weight, health and slimming. Drawing from qualitative data from men whom medicine might label overweight or obese, it outlines various ideal typical ways of orienting to the idea that physical activity promotes “healthy” weight loss before exploring the most critical display of perspective: justifiable resistance and defiance. This gendered mode of accountability comprises numerous themes. These range from the inefficiency of physical activity in promoting weight loss to resisting imposed discipline. Theoretically and politically, these data are read as a situationally fitting and meaningful response to “symbolic violence” in a field of “masculine domination” (Bourdieu 2001)—that is, a society in which fatness is routinely discredited as feminine and feminizing filth by institutions that are publicly reinforcing and amplifying fatphobic norms or sizism.

scholarly journals A positive deviance-based qualitative study of stress, coping, and feeding practices among low-income, Hispanic mothers whose children do versus do not meet guidelines for fruit and vegetable intake

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 584-604
Author(s):  
Eleanor Shonkoff ◽  
Sara C Folta ◽  
Theodore Fitopoulos ◽  
Cynthia N Ramirez ◽  
Ricky Bluthenthal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Comparison Group ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
The United States ◽  
Positive Deviance ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Hispanic Mothers

Abstract Less than 1% of children in the United States concurrently meet guidelines for fruit/vegetable intake, physical activity, screen time, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Prior evidence suggests that parents of this 1% potentially cope with stress differently. This qualitative study used a positive deviance-based approach to locate mothers whose children avoided negative feeding outcomes despite being ‘high-risk’ for obesity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Spanish for two groups: low-income, Hispanic mothers whose children were normal weight and met recommendations for fruits/vegetables and physical activity (n = 5); and a comparison group whose children had obesity and did not meet guidelines (n = 8). Topics included weight-related parenting practices, attitudes toward health, and stress management. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and coded using NVivo for theoretically driven thematic analysis. Results suggested that mothers viewed stress differently. Mothers of healthy weight children believed stress could be prevented, such as by paying children more attention or directing one’s attention away from stressors; comparison group mothers tended to report stress about managing their child’s eating and about financial worries. Future research is needed to understand the underlying sources of these differences (e.g. personality traits, coping practices) and test whether stress prevention interventions can promote healthy parental feeding practices.

scholarly journals Healthy Weight Services in England before, during and after pregnancy: a mixed methods approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frankie Fair ◽  
Katie Marvin-Dowle ◽  
Madelynne Arden ◽  
Hora Soltani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
National Guidance

Abstract Background: Maternal overweight and obesity are associated with numerous adverse outcomes including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity before, during and after pregnancy are therefore a significant public health priority in England. This project explored and mapped healthy weight service availability at different stages of the childbearing cycle.Methods: A mixed methods approach included a questionnaire-based survey disseminated through Local Maternity Systems and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with providers and commissioners. Current maternal weight service provision was explored along with some of the barriers and facilitators for providing, delivering and accessing healthy weight services. Descriptive statistics were reported for quantitative data and content analysis was used for thematic reporting of qualitative data. Results: A total of 88 participants responded to the survey. All services were offered most frequently during pregnancy; with healthy eating and/or weight management services offered more often than physical activity services. Few services were targeted specifically at women with a raised body mass index. There was a high degree of inconsistency of service provision in different geographical areas. Several themes were identified from qualitative data including "equity and variation in service provision", "need for rigorous evaluation", "facilitators” to encourage better access or more effective service provision, including prioritisation, a change in focus and co-design of services, "barriers" encountered including financial and time obstacles, poor communication and insufficiently clear strategic national guidance and "the need for additional support”.Conclusions: There is a need to reduce geographical variation in services and the potential health inequalities that this may cause. Improving services for women with a raised body mass index as well as services which encourage physical activity require additional emphasis. There is a need for more robust evaluation of services to ensure they are fit for purpose. An urgent need for clear national guidance so that healthcare providers can more effectively assist mothers achieve a healthy weight gain was identified. Commissioners should consider implementing strategies to reduce the barriers of access identified such as childcare, transport, location and making services free at the point of use.

Adherence to Weight Loss and Physical Activity

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Amy Janke ◽  
David E. Goodrich
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviors ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Patient Centered ◽  
Barriers To Exercise ◽  
Physical Limitations ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Social Environmental Factors

Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity are two health behaviors that can provide significant benefit to individuals with chronic pain. However, adhering to lifestyle programs that promote weight loss and/or physical activity can be challenging. A socioecological model of adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors in individuals with pain can assist providers in understanding the physiological, intrapersonal/behavioral, and social/environmental factors that influence adherence. Providers can optimize adherence to weight loss by facilitating an effective patient–provider relationship, tailoring intervention approaches to meet a patient’s specific needs, and applying the Five A’s model of behavior change. Providers can support long-term engagement in physical activity by developing patient-centered exercise prescriptions based on an assessment of physical limitations, comorbidities, and age and to engage in shared decision-making to best account for patient preferences and barriers to exercise.

scholarly journals The effects of if-then plans on weight loss: results of the 24-month follow-up of the McGill CHIP Healthy Weight Program randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bärbel Knäuper ◽  
◽  
Huma Shireen ◽  
Kimberly Carrière ◽  
Mallory Frayn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Weight Loss Maintenance ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Health Improvement ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Healthy Weight

Abstract Background Current evidence suggests that some of the most effective weight loss approaches are changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors through lifestyle modification programs. The Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) program is a group-based behavior modification program aimed at changing diet and physical activity for weight loss. It was developed to be more cost-effective and easier to disseminate than its individually administered parent program, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP). However, the average weight loss following participation in the GLB is only approximately 3.5%, with low long-term weight loss maintenance. Purpose We aimed to optimize the weight loss outcomes of the GLB to increase the efficacy already afforded by its cost-effectiveness and ease of dissemination. We did this by integrating the habit formation tool of if-then plans into the program. This program is called the enriched GLB or the McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement (CHIP) Healthy Weight Program. Results at 3 and 12 months of participation have already been published elsewhere. They showed no between-group differences between the standard and enriched GLB but higher weight loss in both groups compared to the DPP. This paper reports the long-term weight loss maintenance data following participation in the program. Methods Of the 172 participants enrolled at the beginning of the study, data from 110 participants were available and analyzed at 24 months, i.e., 12 months after the end of the 12-month intervention. Results No between-group difference in weight loss maintenance was observed. Pooled results showed a significant weight regain from 12 to 24 months, i.e., an average of 7.85 lbs. of the 20.36 lbs. lost. However, participants from both groups were still 12.51lbs or 6.13% lighter at 24 months than at baseline. Conclusion If-then plans did not result in a higher percentage of weight loss at 24-month follow-up compared to the standard GLB. However, at 24 months, both groups did show a maintenance of a significant portion of the weight lost at the end of intervention. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02008435, registered 6 December 2013.

Long haul truck drivers’ views on the barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and physical activity

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah G. Passey ◽  
Arun Garg ◽  
Anita Kinney ◽  
Riann Robbins ◽  
Kurt T. Hegmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Access Time ◽  
Weight Loss Intervention ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Haul Truck

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore truck drivers’ views toward diet, physical activity, and health care access to inform the development of a weight loss intervention. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted four focus groups via teleconference (one) or in person (three). Each focus group included eight to ten truck drivers. Sessions were digitally recorded and transcribed. The authors used thematic analysis of the participant responses to develop themes and subthemes. Findings – Truck drivers desired good health, however, many knowledge gaps were identified. Drivers were aware of some healthy foods, but lacked knowledge of appropriate energy intake and healthy weight. Drivers expressed many barriers to eating healthy food and engaging in physical activity on the road. Participants suggested strategies and resources to improve their diet and increase physical activity. Research limitations/implications – This qualitative study included a convenience sample of 30 long-haul truck drivers. Consensus of themes and subthemes was achieved by four sessions. Issues facing long-haul truck drivers may be different than other truck drivers. Additional qualitative research should be conducted along with interventions focussed on healthy behaviors that can be implemented in the mobile working environment. Originality/value – This is the first focus group study of truck drivers that targets eating and physical activity. Future weight loss intervention designs should address the lack of knowledge and skills. To succeed, interventions should implement strategies to address perceived barriers: access, time limitations, and high cost of healthy lifestyle habits.

scholarly journals Design and Development of a Digital Weight Management Intervention (ToDAy): Qualitative Study

10.2196/17919 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. e17919
Author(s):  
Charlene L Shoneye ◽  
Barbara Mullan ◽  
Andrea Begley ◽  
Christina M Pollard ◽  
Jonine Jancey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Management Intervention

Background The Tailored Diet and Activity (ToDAy) study aims to build on the campaign by adding a digital intervention with the potential to provide wide-reaching, cost-effective weight management support. Objective The ToDAy study aims to build a tailored intervention using mobile technology to improve diet and physical activity behaviours in adults with overweight and obesity. The main objectives were to identify behavior change techniques for diet and physical activity (PA) change for weight loss and explore preferences for digital intervention features that would be effective in changing diet and PA behaviors. Methods This qualitative study uses the principles of a person-based approach to intervention development; the behavioral intervention technology framework; and the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) framework. Focus groups and telephone interviews were conducted with 56 adults in Western Australia. Open-ended questions and example intervention features were used to explore the usability and acceptability of the self-monitoring tools, knowledge about effective weight-loss strategies, and acceptability of tailored feedback. Findings from the focus groups and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Qualitative findings revealed an awareness of key public health messages but a lack of confidence in how to perform these behaviors to help manage their weight. A total of 4 major themes were identified and mapped to the domains of the COM-B framework: (1) misinformation, (2) environmental support, (3) social norms, and (4) confidence. Conclusions This study explores users’ capability, opportunity, and motivation to perform the target behaviors for weight loss. The findings suggested that a digital weight management intervention using a mobile food record and activity trackers to inform tailored feedback may be acceptable and feasible. Participants expressed a preference for simple expert advice, digital self-monitoring tools, and visual feedback. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/12782

scholarly journals Easier said than done: a qualitative study conducted in the USA exploring Latino family child care home providers as role models for healthy eating and physical activity behaviours

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. e018219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Lindsay ◽  
Mary L Greaney ◽  
Sherrie F Wallington ◽  
Julie A Wright
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Child Care ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Family Child Care ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
The Usa

ObjectiveLatinos are the largest and most rapidly growing minority population group in the USA and are disproportionally affected by obesity and related chronic diseases. Child care providers likely influence the eating and physical activity behaviours of children in their care, and therefore are important targets for interventions designed to prevent childhood obesity. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of research examining the behaviours of family child care home (FCCH) providers and whether they model healthy eating and physical activity behaviours. Therefore, this study explored Latino FCCH providers’ beliefs and practices related to healthy eating, physical activity and sedentary behaviours, and how they view their ability to serve as role models for these behaviours for young children in their care.MethodsThis is a qualitative study consisting of six focus groups conducted in Spanish with a sample of 44 state-licensed Latino FCCH providers in the state of Massachusetts. Translated transcripts were analysed using thematic analyses to identify meaningful patterns.ResultsAnalyses revealed that Latino FCCH providers have positive beliefs and attitudes about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity for children in their care, but personally struggle with these same behaviours and with maintaining a healthy weight status. The ability of Latino FCCH providers to model healthy eating and physical activity may be limited by their low self-efficacy in their ability to be physically active, eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight.ConclusionsInterventions designed to improve healthy eating and physical activity behaviours of children enrolled in FCCHs should address providers’ own health behaviours as well as their modelling of these health behaviours. Future research can build on the findings of this qualitative study by quantifying Latino FCCH providers’ eating and physical activity behaviours, and determining how these behaviours influence behaviours and health outcomes of children in their care.

scholarly journals Healthy Weight Services in England before, during and after pregnancy: a mixed methods approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frankie Fair ◽  
Katie Marvin-Dowle ◽  
Madelynne Arden ◽  
Hora Soltani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
National Guidance

Abstract Background: Maternal overweight and obesity are associated with numerous adverse outcomes including higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity before, during and after pregnancy are therefore a significant public health priority in England. This project explored and mapped healthy weight service availability at different stages of the childbearing cycle.Methods: A mixed methods approach included a questionnaire-based survey disseminated through Local Maternity Systems and semi-structured interviews or focus groups with providers and commissioners. Current maternal weight service provision was explored along with some of the barriers and facilitators for providing, delivering and accessing healthy weight services. Descriptive statistics were reported for quantitative data and content analysis was used for thematic reporting of qualitative data. Results: A total of 88 participants responded to the survey. All services were offered most frequently during pregnancy; with healthy eating and/or weight management services offered more often than physical activity services. Few services were targeted specifically at women with a raised body mass index. There was a high degree of inconsistency of service provision in different geographical areas. Several themes were identified from qualitative data including "equity and variation in service provision", "need for rigorous evaluation", "facilitators” to encourage better access or more effective service provision, including prioritisation, a change in focus and co-design of services, "barriers" encountered including financial and time obstacles, poor communication and insufficiently clear strategic national guidance and "the need for additional support”.Conclusions: There is a need to reduce geographical variation in services and the potential health inequalities that this may cause. Improving services for women with a raised body mass index as well as services which encourage physical activity require additional emphasis. There is a need for more robust evaluation of services to ensure they are fit for purpose. An urgent need for clear national guidance so that healthcare providers can more effectively assist mothers achieve a healthy weight gain was identified. Commissioners should consider implementing strategies to reduce the barriers of access identified such as childcare, transport, location and making services free at the point of use.

scholarly journals Design and Development of a Digital Weight Management Intervention (ToDAy): Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlene L Shoneye ◽  
Barbara Mullan ◽  
Andrea Begley ◽  
Christina M Pollard ◽  
Jonine Jancey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Self Monitoring ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Monitoring Tools ◽  
Diet And Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Management Intervention

BACKGROUND The Tailored Diet and Activity (ToDAy) study aims to build on the campaign by adding a digital intervention with the potential to provide wide-reaching, cost-effective weight management support. OBJECTIVE The ToDAy study aims to build a tailored intervention using mobile technology to improve diet and physical activity behaviours in adults with overweight and obesity. The main objectives were to identify behavior change techniques for diet and physical activity (PA) change for weight loss and explore preferences for digital intervention features that would be effective in changing diet and PA behaviors. METHODS This qualitative study uses the principles of a person-based approach to intervention development; the behavioral intervention technology framework; and the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) framework. Focus groups and telephone interviews were conducted with 56 adults in Western Australia. Open-ended questions and example intervention features were used to explore the usability and acceptability of the self-monitoring tools, knowledge about effective weight-loss strategies, and acceptability of tailored feedback. Findings from the focus groups and interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Qualitative findings revealed an awareness of key public health messages but a lack of confidence in how to perform these behaviors to help manage their weight. A total of 4 major themes were identified and mapped to the domains of the COM-B framework: (1) misinformation, (2) environmental support, (3) social norms, and (4) confidence. CONCLUSIONS This study explores users’ capability, opportunity, and motivation to perform the target behaviors for weight loss. The findings suggested that a digital weight management intervention using a mobile food record and activity trackers to inform tailored feedback may be acceptable and feasible. Participants expressed a preference for simple expert advice, digital self-monitoring tools, and visual feedback. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/12782

scholarly journals Cognitive-Behavioral Strategies to Increase the Adherence to Exercise in the Management of Obesity

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riccardo Dalle Grave ◽  
Simona Calugi ◽  
Elena Centis ◽  
Marwan El Ghoch ◽  
Giulio Marchesini
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Control ◽  
Behavioral Treatment ◽  
Cognitive Behavioral ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Behavioral Strategies ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Treatment Of Obesity

Physical activity plays a major role in the development and management of obesity. High levels of physical activity provide an advantage in maintaining energy balance at a healthy weight, but the amount of exercise needed to produce weight loss and weight loss maintenance may be difficult to achieve in obese subjects. Barriers to physical activity may hardly be overcome in individual cases, and group support may make the difference. The key role of cognitive processes in the failure/success of weight management suggests that new cognitive procedures and strategies should be included in the traditional behavioral treatment of obesity, in order to help patients build a mindset of long-term weight control. We reviewed the role of physical activity in the management of obesity, and the principal cognitive-behavioral strategies to increase adherence to exercise. Also in this area, we need to move from the traditional prescriptive approach towards a multidisciplinary intervention.

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