The Impact of Weight Loss on Occupational Participation and Engagement: A Systematic Review

Background: As the prevalence of obesity rises globally, the need for holistically designed interventions for weight management grows. Research indicates that weight loss significantly affects occupational performance and engagement. However, the impact of weight loss on these areas is seldom discussed by the care team. Therefore, it is necessary to explore how daily life and occupational participation are impacted when individuals experience significant weight loss. This systematic review aims to shed light on how daily life and occupational participation are impacted by weight loss.

Methods: A systematic literature review search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO, resulting in twenty qualitative studies that addressed the impact weight loss has on daily life and occupational participation of individuals who underwent treatment to address their obesity.

Results: Participants experienced increased energy levels and physical functioning, allowing them to engage in activities such as walks to the beach, driving, and spiritual practices. Positive changes in social relationships made participants feel more comfortable being around others in public settings, which also led to improved self-confidence and mental health. Unpleasant effects from the weight transformation included hair loss, living with excess skin, and an altered self-identity.

Conclusion: Daily life and participation underwent significant changes as a result of weight loss, which led to physical, social, and psychological alterations that influenced engagement in daily activities. These results highlight the need for occupational therapy practitioners to provide added support for individuals during their weight transformation to enhance their occupational participation and engagement in meaningful activities.