Background: Obesity is a multi-dimensional condition with causal factors beyond the physiological into the behavioural, dietetic and psychological. Understanding the lived experience of those who are overweight and obese and self-perceived barriers to access and engagement in intervention are imperative to formulating a systemic response to the complex problem of obesity. This study aims to identify the social, psychological and systemic factors impeding engagement with weight-loss behaviour and interventions, and to formulate a framework for responding to these. Methods: We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using focus groups and interviews with people who have lived experienced of being overweight or obese. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Following the thematic analysis, further interpretation of the data was achieved by applying the epistemological foundations of the Lifeworld Led Care paradigm, recognising its philosophy of the person and of care based on the individual's experiences. Eight men and 17 women participated. Results: Three overarching themes were identified: Complexity and Battle, Impediments, and Positive Reorientation. The subthemes of these were found to represent the dimensions of the Lifeworld: Identify, Intersubjectivity, Mood and Embodiment. Further interpretation of the themed data identified six polarised dichotomies representing the opposing lived dimensions of the obesity experience:
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