Abstract
Purpose: Physical activity adds to the effectiveness of the newly developed weight-reducing drugs and is essential for maintaining weight loss post-medication. This study explores how weight loss affects former and current users’ bodily experiences and motives for physical activity.
Materials and methods: We conducted phenomenological semi-structured individual interviews with ten current or former users of weight-reducing drugs, aged 24–63, of whom six were women. According to the informants’ preferences, the interviews were arranged as virtual, physical, or telephonic meetings.
Data were analysed using a six-step thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes were identified from the analysis: a bodily journey towards being like others, possibilities and incentives for physical activity, and the process and the future. Weight loss provided positive mental and bodily experiences of physical activity that promoted a determination to maintain weight loss through a physically active lifestyle. The experience of enjoyment and managing bodily performance supported maintenance.
Conclusions: The users’ increased physical activity was driven by a desire to maintain the weight loss and the enjoyment of exercise, indicating a shift towards a sustainable health-promoting lifestyle.
However, former and current users requested individual guidance and support to manage the new situation and maintain lifestyle changes.
Materials and methods: We conducted phenomenological semi-structured individual interviews with ten current or former users of weight-reducing drugs, aged 24–63, of whom six were women. According to the informants’ preferences, the interviews were arranged as virtual, physical, or telephonic meetings.
Data were analysed using a six-step thematic analysis.
Results: Three themes were identified from the analysis: a bodily journey towards being like others, possibilities and incentives for physical activity, and the process and the future. Weight loss provided positive mental and bodily experiences of physical activity that promoted a determination to maintain weight loss through a physically active lifestyle. The experience of enjoyment and managing bodily performance supported maintenance.
Conclusions: The users’ increased physical activity was driven by a desire to maintain the weight loss and the enjoyment of exercise, indicating a shift towards a sustainable health-promoting lifestyle.
However, former and current users requested individual guidance and support to manage the new situation and maintain lifestyle changes.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Tidsskrift | European Journal of Physiotherapy |
| Sider (fra-til) | 1-9 |
| Antal sider | 9 |
| ISSN | 2167-9169 |
| DOI | |
| Status | E-pub ahead of print - 13 jun. 2025 |
Emneord
- Sundhed, ernæring og livskvalitet
- Fysioterapi
- fysisk aktivitet
- overvægt og fedme