A qualitative study of motivators and barriers to weight reduction practices among overweight and obese suburban Malay adults
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2019-0139
- Author:
Wirdah Mohamed
1
;
Syaznie Enre
1
;
Poh Bee Koon
1
;
Ruzita Abd Talib
1
Author Information
1. Nutritional Sciences Programme and Centre for Community Health Studies (ReaCH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Motivator, barrier, weight reduction, obesity, qualitative study
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2020;26(No.3):471-485
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Designing an effective and comprehensive weight reduction
intervention requires an understanding of the motivating factors and barriers to
losing weight. This study explored the motivating factors and barriers to weight
reduction through the experiences, emotions and ideas shared among suburban
overweight and obese Malay adults. Methods: In this qualitative study, 23
overweight or obese Malay adults aged 30-59 years old were divided into three
focus group discussion (FGD). The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM), consisting of
four levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and policy) was utilised in this
study. Results: The motivating factors were: (1) Intrapersonal level: self-awareness,
health concern, self-confidence, and desire to have good physical appearance, (2)
Interpersonal level: social support from family and friends, (3) Community level:
availability and accessibility of physical activity facilities and health information,
and (4) Policy level: healthy lifestyle programme. The barriers were: (1) Intrapersonal
level: lack of knowledge about diet, physical limitations, lack of self-control, and
emotion/mood, (2) Interpersonal level: spouse and children, career or housework
commitment, (3) Community level: lack of neighbourhood safety, and availability
and accessibility of outside foods, and (4) Policy level: availability and accessibility of
outside foods. Conclusion: Eight factors were identified as motivating factors and
barriers for weight reduction practices. Support from family and friends should be
considered when developing an effective and comprehensive weight loss programme
as it was both a motivating factor as well as a barrier.
- Full text:4.2020my0516.pdf
