scholarly journals "Should I keep running if nobody sees me as a runner?" : How runners with diverse body sizes perceive Runner's World's lack of inclusive representation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Emma Veidt
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Personal Stories ◽  
Body Sizes ◽  
Editorial Decisions ◽  
Holistic Representation ◽  
Elite Runners

Runner's World is the ultimate guide to running. The magazine offers training tips, dietician-recommended recipes, gear guides, profiles on recreational and elite runners, and more. By design, Runner's World is meant to serve all runners, but by execution, the magazine fails to represent a broad range of body sizes. In fact, because of the magazine's prominence within the running community, it can even shape what runners looks like, and it has reinforced the idea that they are thin, muscular, and lanky. This study asks how Runner's World's editorial decisions affect these runners' connections to the magazine and identities as members of the running community. With a sample of 15 runners with diverse body sizes, this study uses semi-structured interviews to give these runners the platform that Runner's World does not. Data from these interviews suggest that Runner's World stories about weight loss or runners with diverse body sizes have a fatphobic tone to them. The lack of holistic representation reinforces the idea that smaller runners are faster, healthier, and more serious athletes. Runners with diverse body sizes then have to create their own networks to share the training tips, recipes, gear recommendations, and personal stories that Runner's World promises to publish. Because these runners don't see multifaceted representation of themselves in the magazine, they are hesitant to read it or sometimes even participate in the sport at all. This study encourages Runner's World to make running more inclusive by showing that all bodies are runner's bodies.

scholarly journals Obesity, stigma and reflexive embodiment: Feeling the ‘weight’ of expectation

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 421-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oli Williams ◽  
Ellen Annandale
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Subjective Experience ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Social Significance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Obesity Stigma ◽  
Group Members

The dominant obesity discourse which emphasises individual moral responsibility and lifestyle modification encourages weight-based stigma. Existing research overwhelmingly demonstrates that obesity stigma is an ineffective means by which to reduce the incidence of obesity and that it promotes weight-gain. However, the sensate experiences associated with the subjective experience of obesity stigma as a reflexively embodied phenomenon have been largely unexamined. This article addresses this knowledge gap by providing a phenomenological account. Data are derived from 11 months of ethnographic participant observation and semi-structured interviews with three single-sex weight-loss groups in England. Group members were predominantly overweight/obese and of low-socio-economic status. The analysis triangulates these two data sources to investigate what/how obesity stigma made group members feel. We find that obesity stigma confused participant’s objective and subjective experiences of their bodies. This was primarily evident on occasions when group members felt heavier after engaging in behaviours associated with weight-gain but this ‘weight’ did not register on the weighing scales. We conceptualise this as the weight of expectation which is taken as illustrative of the perpetual uncertainty and morality that characterises weight-management. In addition, we show that respondents ascribed their sensate experiences of physiological responses to exercise with moral and social significance. These carnal cues provided a sense of certainty and played an important role in attempts to negotiate obesity stigma. These findings deepen the understanding of how and why obesity stigma is an inappropriate and ineffective means of promoting weight-loss.

Online weight-loss services and a calculative practice of slimming

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 409-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Niva
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Calorie Restriction ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Lifestyle Change ◽  
Control Device ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Theories Of Practice

This study examines the slimming practice produced by Internet-based weight-loss services and their use. Drawing on theories of practice, the study analyses the script of use that is constructed by the services, and the meanings, materialities and competences that are enacted in their use. Based on 20 semi-structured interviews with women who were users of two Finnish online weight-loss services, the study concludes that the services transform food into quantitative depictions of calories and nutrition. They configure slimmers as calculative agents and slimming as a practice based on incessant recording and monitoring. For online slimmers, the services acted in the double role of a control device with a focus on calorie restriction, and a learning device used to develop a skill of healthy eating. In the latter role, online slimming was hoped to result in an internalisation of a lifestyle change that would make calculation and constant monitoring unnecessary and the services redundant for their users. The results suggest that for its practitioners, online slimming is temporary rather than long-standing, but it may and is expected to act as a mediary in establishing other practices related to healthy lifestyles.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators in implementing a pilot, pragmatic, telemedicine-delivered healthy lifestyle program for obesity management in a rural, academic obesity clinic

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Batsis ◽  
Auden C. McClure ◽  
Aaron B. Weintraub ◽  
Diane Sette ◽  
Sivan Rotenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Video Conferencing ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intervention Delivery ◽  
Link Type

Abstract Purpose Few evidence-based strategies are specifically tailored for disparity populations such as rural adults. Two-way video-conferencing using telemedicine can potentially surmount geographic barriers that impede participation in high-intensity treatment programs offering frequent visits to clinic facilities. We aimed to understand barriers and facilitators of implementing a telemedicine-delivered tertiary-care, rural academic weight-loss program for the management of obesity. Methods A single-arm study of a 16-week, weight-loss pilot evaluated barriers and facilitators to program participation and exploratory measures of program adoption and staff confidence in implementation and intervention delivery. A program was delivered using video-conferencing within an existing clinical infrastructure. Elements of Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) provided a basis for assessing intervention characteristics, inner and outer settings, and individual characteristics using surveys and semi-structured interviews. We evaluated elements of the RE-AIM model (reach, adoption) to assess staff barriers to success for future scalability. Findings There were 27 patients and 8 staff completing measures. Using CFIR, the intervention was valuable from a patient participant standpoint; staff equally had positive feelings about using telemedicine as useful for patient care. The RE-AIM framework demonstrated limited reach but willingness to adopt was above average. A significant barrier limiting sustainability was physical space for intervention delivery and privacy and dedicated resources for staff. Scheduling stressors were also a challenge in its implementation. Conclusions The need to engage staff, enhance organizational culture, and increase reach are major factors for rural health obesity clinics to enhance sustainability of using telemedicine for the management of obesity. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03309787. Registered on 16 October 2017.

scholarly journals A qualitative study of men’s behavioural changes during weight loss maintenance

2020 ◽  
Vol 140 (6) ◽  
pp. 317-326
Author(s):  
L Lozano-Sufrategui ◽  
A Pringle ◽  
D Carless ◽  
KJ Drew
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Weight Maintenance ◽  
Weight Loss Maintenance ◽  
Photo Elicitation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Behavioural Changes ◽  
Weight Loss Programme ◽  
Maintain Weight Loss ◽  
Long Term Impact

Aim: This study aims to understand the behaviour changes men who attended a weight loss programme engage in during weight maintenance. Understanding the needs of men in the context of weight loss maintenance is important, as they are underrepresented in this body of literature. Method: Given its focus on personal experience, this study adopted a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews supported by participant-generated photo-elicitation techniques to explore the behavioural changes 12 men engaged in 6 months after attending a men-only weight loss programme. Data analysis was undertaken through thematic analysis and Gleeson’s polytextual thematic analysis. Results: This study suggests that the key behaviours men engaged in to maintain weight loss can be classified into four categories: (1) ‘Small’ changes, (2) Informed decisions, (3) Monitoring of behaviours, and (4) Dealing with ambivalence. Conclusion: This study makes an original contribution to knowledge and can have important implications for practice in the area of men’s health, particularly with regard to the long-term impact of weight loss interventions.

scholarly journals The Northumberland Exercise Referral Scheme as a Universal Community Weight Management Programme: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Outcomes, Expectations and Experiences across a Social Gradient

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5297
Author(s):  
Caroline J. Dodd-Reynolds ◽  
Dimitris Vallis ◽  
Adetayo Kasim ◽  
Nasima Akhter ◽  
Coral L. Hanson
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Missing Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Obesity Class ◽  
Weight Management Programme ◽  
Sociodemographic Predictors ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Ongoing Support ◽  
Exercise Referral

Exercise referral schemes (ERS) are internationally recognised, yet little attention has been paid to discrete referral groups or the influence of wider social determinants of health. The primary quantitative element of this mixed methods study used a mixed effects linear model to examine associations of sociodemographic predictors, obesity class and profession of referrer on weight and physical activity (PA) variables for weight-related referrals (n = 3624) to an established 24-week ERS. Chained equations modelling imputed missing data. The embedded qualitative element (n = 7) used individual semi-structured interviews to explore participant weight-related expectations and experiences. Age, gender and profession of referrer influenced weight loss. PA increased and was influenced by age and gender. The weight gap between the most and least obese narrowed over time but the PA gap between most and least widened. Age, employment and obesity class were most predictive of missing data but would unlikely alter overall conclusions. Qualitative themes were weight-loss support, personal circumstances and strategies, and weight expectations versus wellbeing rewards. This ERS worked, did not widen existing obesity inequalities, but demonstrated evidence of PA inequalities for those living with deprivation. To improve equity of experience, we recommend further stakeholder dialogue around referral experience and ongoing support needs.

Provider Views of the Feasibility and Utility of Lifestyle Obesity Treatment in Primary Care: Insights from the Think Health! Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etienne Phipps ◽  
Lisa Chacko ◽  
Jennifer Fassbender ◽  
Kelly Allison ◽  
David Sarwer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Weight Loss ◽  
Obesity Treatment ◽  
Weight Loss Program ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Practice Based Research ◽  
Primary Care Clinicians ◽  
Post Hoc

Rationale:   Feasible approaches for providing obesity treatment in primary care settings have been difficult to identify. We assessed the views of primary care clinicians and practice staff about a simplified, lifestyle weight loss program after their participation in a randomized trial designed to evaluate the program within their clinical practices.  Methods: Post-hoc interviews were conducted with 13 clinicians and 12 auxiliary staff at the 5 participating practices in the Think Health! Study of weight management in primary care.  A 13-item survey was used to guide semi-structured interviews about the perceived strengths, weakness, and potential long-term utility of the program. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative methods. Results:  Providers unanimously endorsed the need for weight loss counseling for their patients.  They supported the need for more frequent visits initially to best engage patients in a weight loss program.  Additional training in counseling skills was desired. Conclusion:  Clinicians participating in a practice- based trial valued having weight loss materials available to share with patients.  Offering patient materials that convey key content and structure for behavior change tasks while allowing provider discretion in how materials are integrated into patient care might be a viable option for testing in future practice-based research. 

scholarly journals Life During The Biggest Loser: Experiences and Perspectives of Non-Contestant Romantic Partners

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Moore ◽  
Clinton Cooper ◽  
Kai Zwierstra ◽  
Toiya Williams
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Reality Television ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Marriage And Family Therapists ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Couple Relationships ◽  
Family Therapists ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Marriage And Family ◽  
The Biggest Loser

For this study, authors engaged in 9 semi-structured interviews with romantic partners of contestants who were involved with a weight loss intervention (The Biggest Loser), to gain insight into the phenomenon of weight loss within the context of couple relationships and reality television. Utilizing Basic Qualitative Description influenced by aspects of phenomenology, the authors explored the role of weight loss and the role that the specific intervention utilized, has played within the couple relationship. Building upon previous research (Moore, Cooper, Williams, & Zwierstra, 2017a) authors added the voice of the non-contestant partners to the discussion and explored experiences of weight loss and perceptions regarding the utilization of Marriage and Family Therapists during the weight loss process. The major themes that emerged were (1) Behind the Scenes: The sacrifices we make, (2) After the Show Wraps: Re-entry and the Transition Home, and (3) Perceptions of MFT: Addressing couple relationships. Implications for Marriage and Family Therapists as well as other professionals involved in working with couples during weight loss are discussed as well as future directions in research.

scholarly journals Life After NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”: The Experiences and Perspectives of Former Reality TV Contestants

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Moore ◽  
Clinton Cooper ◽  
Toiya Williams ◽  
Kai Zwierstra
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Reality Tv ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Relational Dynamics ◽  
Marriage And Family ◽  
Rich Description ◽  
The Biggest Loser ◽  
Whiplash Effect

Utilizing Qualitative Description influenced by aspects of phenomenology, we conducted fifteen open-ended, semi-structured interviews with former contestants of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” The purpose of the study was to explore experiences of significant weight loss. We focused on challenges, emotional well-being, and relational dynamics of contestants transitioning through their weight loss journeys, which included what happened after the show was completed. Further, we analyzed perspectives regarding the utility of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) in working with this population. In the study, three themes emerged which included: (1) Living at the ranch: It’s reality TV, not reality; (2) After the confetti falls: Post-Traumatic Reality TV Syndrome and The Whiplash Effect; and (3) Therapeutic treatment: Much needed but nowhere to be found. The study includes a rich description of the data, as well as a discussion of clinical implications.

scholarly journals “I’m Still on Track”: A Qualitative Exploration of Participant Experiences of a Weight Loss Maintenance Program

Healthcare ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Bronwyn McGill ◽  
Blythe J. O’Hara ◽  
Philayrath Phongsavan ◽  
Adrian Bauman ◽  
Luke Lawler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Weight Management ◽  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Weight Loss Maintenance ◽  
External Support ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Maintenance Program

Qualitative evidence of participants’ experiences of real-life weight loss maintenance programs is important for ongoing participant engagement and can inform program improvements. The purpose of this study was to understand how participants account for their engagement with a weight loss maintenance program and the role of the program in their weight management. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 17 participants of a weight loss maintenance program was conducted; common themes were identified using a thematic inductive approach. Many participant narratives incorporated recurrent descriptions of their program experiences as a weight management journey. Our analysis generated four themes: returning to real life as a threat, the personal responsibility imperative, the program supporting agency and the program supporting self-regulation. The program, which provides external support and strategies, overlapped with the context of returning to real life and the personal responsibility imperative. Participant accounts of their journey at this intersection include the program supporting both agency and self-regulation which influences ongoing weight management. The interplay between themes identified and the maintenance program services allows compatibility between participants’ sense of personal responsibility and the program components to help participants to ‘stay on track’ or ‘get back on track’. In providing sufficient structure, opportunities to revisit successful strategies, and accountability, participants are empowered to overcome real-life threats and make positive health choices.

Losing Weight; The Experience of Patients With End Stage Kidney Disease: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanne Freeman ◽  
Hanne Konradsen ◽  
Kristine Lindhard ◽  
Ditte Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Kidney Transplant ◽  
Graft Loss ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
End Stage Kidney Disease ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Sustainable Diet ◽  
End Stage

Abstract Background: Patients with end-stage kidney disease need renal replacement therapy to ensure survival. Kidney transplant is superior to dialysis due to better survival. Patients with obesity cannot be approved for kidney transplant until they lose sufficient weight. Obesity may complicate the surgical procedure, and the risk of graft loss increases with increasing body mass index. Attaining appropriate weight loss is often a hindrance for transplantation for the patient with obesity, and further knowledge of minds, thoughts and attitudes are necessary to better help these patients to lose weight.Methods: Semi-structured interviews with patients who needed to lose weight to be approved to the kidney transplant list at a Danish hospital, were recorded and transcribed. From patients’ responses, we identified descriptive categories using a phenomenological approach. Factors affecting outcomes were derived reflexively from these categories.Results: Ten interviews were analyzed. Experiences of obesity and weight-loss attempts were described across 4 categories; (i) Restrictions and exhaustion, (ii) Hope and hopelessness, (iii) Support and self-discipline, and (iv) Motivation based on severity.Conclusions: Patients with obesity that hinders kidney transplantation need additional help with the dietary restrictions that follow a kidney disease. They need bridging between a kidney-friendly diet and a sustainable diet that will ensure weight-loss. These patients also express how they do not want to be alone in their weight-loss battle. They are looking for help, camaraderie and support to obtain weight-loss.

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