Factors Contributing To The Success Of Self-Directed Weight Loss

Abstract

Background Obesity is identified as one the most important public health problems within Australia and a variety of weight management programs with different intensity of professional support have been developed to assist individuals to achieve their healthier weight. To be successful at losing weight without or with only minimal professional support is likely to require a level of existing skills and strategies not held by all persons looking to lose weight. Thus understanding the characteristics and strategies of those who successfully engage in self-directed weight loss is important for developing weight control plans that could empower other overweight and obese individuals with information and strategies to manage their weight on their own. Methods Men and women who had lost at least 5% of their body weight without using the support of professionals or weight management programs were recruited. Demographic and psycho-social data was collected by questionnaire and their weight loss experience explored using semi-structured interviews to elicit in-depth individual experiences and perspectives. An iterative thematic method of data analysis was used to generate a model of themes contributing to the success of self-directed weight loss Result In addition to strategies that have been identified in previous weight loss intervention studies, unique themes such as embedding new lifestyle into daily routine, the ability to learn from previous weight loss experiences and relying on their own ability and resources were some of the factors that seem to distinguish successful self-directed weight losers from those individuals that participate in structured and intensive weight management programs. Conclusion Overweight or obese individuals with internal motivations, problem solving skills developed from previous weight loss experience, and self-reliance are more likely to be successful at achieving self–directed weight loss.