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A qualitative evidence synthesis on the management of male obesity.

Archibald, Daryll; Douglas, Flora; Hoddinott, Pat; van Teijlingen, Edwin; Stewart, Fiona; Robertson, Clare; Boyers, Dwayne; Avenell, Alison

Authors

Daryll Archibald

Pat Hoddinott

Edwin van Teijlingen

Fiona Stewart

Clare Robertson

Dwayne Boyers

Alison Avenell



Abstract

Objectives: To investigate what weight management interventions work for men, with which men, and under what circumstances. Design: Realist synthesis of qualitative studies. Data sources: Sensitive searches of 11 electronic databases from 1990 to 2012 supplemented by grey literature searches. Study selection: Studies published between 1990 and 2012 reporting qualitative research with obese men, or obese men in contrast to obese women and lifestyle or drug weight management were included. The studies included men aged 16 years or over, with no upper age limit, with a mean or median body mass index of 30 kg/m2 in all settings. Results: 22 studies were identified, including 5 qualitative studies linked to randomised controlled trials of weight maintenance interventions and 8 qualitative studies linked to non-randomised intervention studies, and 9 relevant UK-based qualitative studies not linked to any intervention. Health concerns and the perception that certain programmes had ‘worked’ for other men were the key factors that motivated men to engage with weight management programmes. Barriers to engagement and adherence with programmes included: men not problematising their weight until labelled ‘obese’; a lack of support for new food choices by friends and family, and reluctance to undertake extreme dieting. Retaining some autonomy over what is eaten; flexibility about treats and alcohol, and a focus on physical activity were attractive features of programmes. Group interventions, humour and social support facilitated attendance and adherence. Men were motivated to attend programmes in settings that were convenient, non-threatening and congruent with their masculine identities, but men were seldom involved in programme design. Conclusions: Men’s perspectives and preferences within the wider context of family, work and pleasure should be sought when designing weight management services. Qualitative research is needed with men to inform all aspects of intervention design, including the setting, optimal recruitment processes and strategies to minimise attrition.

Citation

ARCHIBALD, D., DOUGLAS, F., HODDINOTT, P., VAN TEIJLINGEN, E., STEWART, F., ROBERTSON, C. BOYERS, D. and AVENELL, A. 2015. A qualitative evidence synthesis on the management of male obesity. BMJ open [online], 5(10), article ID e008372. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008372

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 5, 2015
Online Publication Date Oct 12, 2015
Publication Date Oct 31, 2015
Deposit Date Jun 2, 2020
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal BMJ Open
Print ISSN 2044-6055
Electronic ISSN 2044-6055
Publisher BMJ Publishing Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 5
Issue 10
Article Number e008372
DOI https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008372
Keywords Qualitative studies; Experiences; Men; Weight management; Engagement; Adherence; Food choices
Public URL https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/876421