Examination of Weight-Loss Motivators and Family Factors in Relation to Weight Management Strategies and Dietary Behaviors among Adolescents with Obesity

Perceived Responsibility for Bariatric Surgery, Eating, and Exercise Behaviors Among Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Candidates

Background: Adolescents' perceived responsibility for weight management behaviors has yet to be studied in relation to bariatric surgery. The current study examined perceived responsibility to pursue bariatric surgery and engage in specific weight management behaviors among adolescents seeking bariatric surgery and its associations with demographic, family support, and eating disorder symptoms. Methods: Data were collected using retrospective chart review of adolescent bariatric surgery candidates presenting to a tertiary interdisciplinary clinic. Data included demographics and adolescents' self-report of (1) perceived responsibility (i.e., primarily adolescent; primarily parent; shared) for the decision to pursue bariatric surgery and weight management behaviors, (2) family support for eating and exercise behaviors, and (3) eating disorder symptoms. Analyses included one-way analysis of covariance, chi-squared tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Participants reporting primarily teen or shared responsibility for seeking bariatric surgery were older than those reporting primarily parent responsibility (p = 0.023). Teens perceiving primary responsibility for their own healthy eating reported less family encouragement for healthy eating (p = 0.011) and more eating disorder symptoms (p = 0.002) than those reporting primarily parent or shared responsibility. Teens reporting primary responsibility for exercise reported less family encouragement for healthy eating (p = 0.012) compared with those reporting shared responsibility. Conclusions: This study is the first to provide a description of health behavior responsibilities in a sample of adolescents with severe obesity seeking bariatric surgery. Not only will these insights improve our understanding of this population, but it can also inform presurgical discussions with adolescents and their parents.

The effectiveness of social-support-based weight-loss interventions-a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of social-support-based weight-loss interventions in adult populations with excess weight or obesity.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials that reported on the effectiveness of weight-loss interventions which incorporated a social connectedness component. To this end, we conducted a rigorous database search of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane, and PubMed for relevant articles. The quality of eligible trials was evaluated by the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias2 tool. Five meta-analyses on intervention effectiveness in terms of weight loss were executed at 2-4-month assessment, 6-month assessment, end of intervention, and 3- and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-four trials involving couples or peers targeting weight loss in 4 919 adults with BMI ≥ 25 met inclusion criteria. Meta-analyses detected no significant effect of social-support-based weight-loss interventions at either 2-4 month or 6-month assessment. There were, however, significant effects at end of intervention [95% CI 0.39, p = 0.04] and at 3-month [95% CI 0.63, p < 0.01] and 6-month [95% CI 0.34, p = 0.05] follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

There seem to be a significant effect at the end of intervention and 3- and 6-month follow-up. However, further high-quality studies are needed before drawing any clear conclusions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020173696.

Barriers and Motivators to Weight Loss in People With Obesity

INTRODUCTION

Obesity has become a global public health challenge with associated health risks. Effective weight-loss interventions are crucial to mitigating these risks and improving overall well-being. However, individuals with obesity often encounter various barriers that hinder their weight loss efforts, while specific motivators can drive them towards successful outcomes. This systematic review aimed to explore the barriers and motivators to weight loss in people with obesity.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using relevant keywords in electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals during the last 10 years were considered for inclusion. We included studies investigating both barriers and/or motivators to weight loss published in English.

RESULTS

The findings showed that motivators for weight loss include health concerns, body satisfaction, family support, normalcy restoration, emotional encouragement, self-determination, and mindful food choices. Motivators involve exercise facilities, balanced diets, and assistance from healthcare providers, peers, friends, or family. Gender influences healthcare providers' influence on weight loss, with women trusting providers more while men lean towards medication options. Healthcare providers play a role in impacting weight loss through discussions and educating patients. Age also influences motivators; adolescents emphasize health, self-esteem, and bullying avoidance, while young women focus on lifestyle influence, resources, and joy. Barriers include insufficient self-control, physical pain, time constraints, dietary restrictions, and a lack of support. Logistical issues, patient readiness, healthcare providers' views, resource scarcity, and social dynamics are also barriers. Dietary barriers involve triggers, emotional states, and limited healthy options. School-aged children with obesity face curriculum challenges and resource scarcity.

CONCLUSION

These findings show the intricate interplay between motivators and barriers, underscoring the multifaceted nature of weight loss in people with obesity. Targeted interventions that address these factors holistically are essential for successful weight management.