“It is not the diet; it is the mental part we need help with.” A multilevel analysis of psychological, emotional, and social well-being in obesity

Abstract

In this research, we explored the psychological, emotional, and social experiences of individuals living with obesity, and perceptions of health care providers. We conducted a theoretical thematic analysis using two theoretical frameworks applied to transcripts from a previous qualitative study. Themes from a mental well-being framework were subsequently categorized under five environmental levels of the Social-Ecological Model (SEM). Key mental well-being themes appeared across all levels of the SEM, except the policy level. For the individual environment, one main theme was food as a coping mechanism and source of emotional distress. In the interpersonal environment, two themes were (a) blame and shame by family members and friends because of their weight and (b) condemnation and lack of support from health professionals. In the organizational environment, one main theme was inadequate support for mental well-being issues in obesity management programmes. In the community environment, one major theme the negative mental well-being impact of the social stigma of obesity. An overarching theme of weight stigma and bias further shaped the predominant themes in each level of the SEM. Addressing weight stigma and bias, and promoting positive mental well-being are two important areas of focus for supportive management of individuals living with obesity.

A qualitative study exploring the views of individuals with knee osteoarthritis on the role of physiotherapists in weight management: A complex issue requiring a sophisticated skill set

“…Such sophisticated perspectives of the multidimensional complexity surrounding weight have similarly been widely described by women with rheumatoid arthritis who are overweight (Colligan, Galloway, & Lempp, 2017), and patients within the UK (Henderson, 2015) (Morden et al, 2014). Consequently, and aligned with the perspectives of patients in the present study, individuals who self-identify with overweight emphasize a need for psychological and emotional support from healthcare providers (Henderson, 2015;Rand et al, 2017) that extends beyond lifestyle advice. However, participants in the present study were uncertain how this complex support would fit within the treatment paradigm for knee OA.…”

“…Findings from a sample of patients with knee pain in the UK highlight pain and life‐long eating habits as particularly relevant to the complexity of weight management (Morden et al, ). Consequently, and aligned with the perspectives of patients in the present study, individuals who self‐identify with overweight emphasize a need for psychological and emotional support from healthcare providers (Henderson, ; Rand et al, ) that extends beyond lifestyle advice. However, participants in the present study were uncertain how this complex support would fit within the treatment paradigm for knee OA.…”

Aspects of well-being when struggling with obesity

“…As the longterm maintenance of weight loss is so limited and uncertain, and the implications for physical health are questionable, studies are increasingly addressing other possible approaches to obesity (Logel, Stinson, & Brochu, 2015;Look AHEAD Research Group, 2014;Samdal & Meland, 2018). Some studies suggest that obesity management and policies should better address mental well-being, and even prioritize well-being over weight loss (Rand, Vallis, Aston, Price, Piccinini-Vallis, Rehman & Kirk 2017;Tylka, Annunziato, Burgard, Danielsdóttir, Shuman, Davis & Calogero 2014). People with obesity themselves seem to highlight their health outcome as being more important than simple appearance (Sand, Emaus, & Lian, 2015).…”

Personalizing obesity assessment and care planning in primary care: patient experience and outcomes in everyday life and health

“…This is particularly important in a population that is impacted by stigma and stereotyping within their social environment, in personal, professional and healthcare context. Obesity management needs to address the effects of stigma on people living with obesity . Our data bears witness to how people living with obesity internalize socio‐cultural discourses of blame and shame that need to be shifted to foster well‐being, confidence, self‐acceptance and intrinsic motivation .…”