Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative study

Abstract Background Weight control behaviors are commonly observed among adolescents and emerging adults. However, the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in both these age groups remains an imperative health concern. Adolescents and emerging adults represent the most vulnerable groups facing...

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Main Authors: Yu-Cheng Lin, Pei-Ching Liu, Fang-Fei Chou, I-Ching Hou, Cheng-Chen Chou, Chi-Wen Chen, Sophia H. Hu, Shu-Ping Chen, Hui-Ju Lo, Fen-Fen Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2024-11-01
Series:BMC Public Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20677-5
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author Yu-Cheng Lin
Pei-Ching Liu
Fang-Fei Chou
I-Ching Hou
Cheng-Chen Chou
Chi-Wen Chen
Sophia H. Hu
Shu-Ping Chen
Hui-Ju Lo
Fen-Fen Huang
author_facet Yu-Cheng Lin
Pei-Ching Liu
Fang-Fei Chou
I-Ching Hou
Cheng-Chen Chou
Chi-Wen Chen
Sophia H. Hu
Shu-Ping Chen
Hui-Ju Lo
Fen-Fen Huang
author_sort Yu-Cheng Lin
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Weight control behaviors are commonly observed among adolescents and emerging adults. However, the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in both these age groups remains an imperative health concern. Adolescents and emerging adults represent the most vulnerable groups facing the health burden of obesity. Methods This study was designed to articulate the underlying beliefs concerning weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity by an elicitation qualitative study based on the integrated behavioral model (IBM). Semi-structured and individual interviewing was utilized. Eligible participants were recruited during September and November 2020. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a hybrid inductive and deductive content analysis approach. Results Twenty-seven participants, comprising 12 adolescents and 15 emerging adults living with obesity, were interviewed to explore their beliefs and strategies regarding weight control behaviors. Emerging adults were more likely to engage in extreme weight control methods. Three overarching themes emerged across both age groups: eating-centered concerns, focus on physical appearance, and social interference. Significant differences were noted while adolescents and emerging adults shared some common beliefs. Emerging adults expressed more economic concerns about weight control, whereas adolescents identified food restriction as the primary barrier to their weight management efforts. These findings highlight the nuanced differences in beliefs about the weight control practice of these two developmental groups. Conclusion More beliefs-tailored and theoretically driven interventions are needed for these two unique age groups. Healthcare providers should address dietary and economic concerns while engaging adolescents and emerging adults in weight management. Future obesity interventions should incorporate shared and unique beliefs identified in each group to promote healthy weight management effectively.
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spelling doaj-art-e35dbb73f75a4c558ef6f4c877880d082024-12-01T12:48:31ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582024-11-0124112110.1186/s12889-024-20677-5Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative studyYu-Cheng Lin0Pei-Ching Liu1Fang-Fei Chou2I-Ching Hou3Cheng-Chen Chou4Chi-Wen Chen5Sophia H. Hu6Shu-Ping Chen7Hui-Ju Lo8Fen-Fen Huang9Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General HospitalDepartment of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityDepartment of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityDepartment of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityInstitute of Community Health Care, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityDepartment of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityDepartment of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityHealth Center, Chongqing Junior High SchoolHealth Center, Fuan Junior High SchoolDepartment of Healthcare Administration, Asia Eastern University of Science and TechnologyAbstract Background Weight control behaviors are commonly observed among adolescents and emerging adults. However, the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in both these age groups remains an imperative health concern. Adolescents and emerging adults represent the most vulnerable groups facing the health burden of obesity. Methods This study was designed to articulate the underlying beliefs concerning weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity by an elicitation qualitative study based on the integrated behavioral model (IBM). Semi-structured and individual interviewing was utilized. Eligible participants were recruited during September and November 2020. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using a hybrid inductive and deductive content analysis approach. Results Twenty-seven participants, comprising 12 adolescents and 15 emerging adults living with obesity, were interviewed to explore their beliefs and strategies regarding weight control behaviors. Emerging adults were more likely to engage in extreme weight control methods. Three overarching themes emerged across both age groups: eating-centered concerns, focus on physical appearance, and social interference. Significant differences were noted while adolescents and emerging adults shared some common beliefs. Emerging adults expressed more economic concerns about weight control, whereas adolescents identified food restriction as the primary barrier to their weight management efforts. These findings highlight the nuanced differences in beliefs about the weight control practice of these two developmental groups. Conclusion More beliefs-tailored and theoretically driven interventions are needed for these two unique age groups. Healthcare providers should address dietary and economic concerns while engaging adolescents and emerging adults in weight management. Future obesity interventions should incorporate shared and unique beliefs identified in each group to promote healthy weight management effectively.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20677-5AdolescentsEmerging adultsBeliefsWeight control behaviors
spellingShingle Yu-Cheng Lin
Pei-Ching Liu
Fang-Fei Chou
I-Ching Hou
Cheng-Chen Chou
Chi-Wen Chen
Sophia H. Hu
Shu-Ping Chen
Hui-Ju Lo
Fen-Fen Huang
Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative study
BMC Public Health
Adolescents
Emerging adults
Beliefs
Weight control behaviors
title Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative study
title_full Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative study
title_fullStr Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative study
title_full_unstemmed Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative study
title_short Beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity: an elicitation qualitative study
title_sort beliefs underlying weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults living with obesity an elicitation qualitative study
topic Adolescents
Emerging adults
Beliefs
Weight control behaviors
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20677-5
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