Living a successful weight loss after severe obesity

Abstract

Purpose: Losing weight and keeping it off for the long term is difficult. Weight regain is common. Experiences of successful non-surgical weight loss after severe obesity are largely unexplored. We know little about long-term weight loss processes, and how health care services can be of help to those living them. Methods: Drawing on in-depth interviews of 8 women and 2 men, the aim of this phenomenological study is to describe the experiences of adults who have been severely obese, who have lost weight and maintained weight loss for the long term (>5 years). Results: Findings show that after severe obesity, sustained weight loss has no endpoint, yet is always easy to end. Keeping weight off means committing to oneself, continuing profound changes and cultivating sensitivity towards oneself and others. A phenomenological understanding of sustained weight loss can inform professionals who deal with health issues and challenges occurring in the life of people leaving severe obesity.

Aspects of well-being when struggling with obesity

“…Thus, our findings indicate that the reflection process gradually leads to a change in the participant's self-understanding (Hörberg et al, 2019). Earlier research confirmed that the processes related to developing embodied knowledge is deeply personal and often entail an existential experience of oneself (Natvik, Råheim, Andersen, & Moltu, 2018;Toft & Uhrenfeldt, 2015). What our study offers is that when self-devaluation does not seem to be at stake any longer, a sense of freedom emerges, and creates an interpersonal space for developing an identity rooted in oneself.…”

“…Self-compassion seems to be pivotal in relation to well-being when confronted with challenges in life (Gustin, 2017). Hence, the literature confirms that the lifeworld perspective highlights that life is not an outcome, it is a process that is deeply personal and points to the existential domain (Natvik et al, 2018). A change in perspective is referred to as a change in attitude towards life, which involves a decision of the self (Natvik et al, 2018).…”

“…Hence, the literature confirms that the lifeworld perspective highlights that life is not an outcome, it is a process that is deeply personal and points to the existential domain (Natvik et al, 2018). A change in perspective is referred to as a change in attitude towards life, which involves a decision of the self (Natvik et al, 2018). According to Galvin and Todres (2013) the decision of the self seems to point towards an aspect of well-being.…”

Living with obesity — existential experiences

“…Consciousness about one's lived body is essential to be able to think of oneself as an embodied unity (Jansen & Wehrle, 2018;Murray, 2010). Unity must be the primary approach for health care with a humanistic and holistic attitude (Knutsen et al, 2011;Natvik, Råheim, Andersen, & Moltu, 2018;Zeiler, 2010).…”

Putting life on hold: lived experiences of people with obesity

“…The experience of lifestyle change is associated with great challenges , and only a few people manage to maintain a lasting change . Most drop out of healthy lifestyle programmes or return to their former living habits, and these people often end up gaining more weight than they lost during the lifestyle change .…”