A qualitative study of motivators and barriers to weight reduction practices among overweight and obese suburban Malay adults

Wirdah Mohamed, . and Syaznie Enre, . and Poh Bee Koon, . and Ruzita Abd Talib, . A qualitative study of motivators and barriers to weight reduction practices among overweight and obese suburban Malay adults. pp. 471-485.

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 available from: Official URL: https://nutriweb.org.my/mjn/publication/26-3/Vol%2...

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.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Adults
AGROVOC Term:	Suburban areas
AGROVOC Term:	Qualitative analysis
AGROVOC Term:	Obesity
AGROVOC Term:	Overweight
AGROVOC Term:	Motivation
AGROVOC Term:	Weight reduction
AGROVOC Term:	Weight losses
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:55
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/9783

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