1- University of Tehran
2- Tarbiat Modares University
2- Tarbiat Modares University
Abstract: (24 Views)
Background and Aim: Overweight and obesity are recognized as major global health challenges that significantly contribute to physical, psychological, and social health risks. Weight mindsets, comprising beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes about weight management, play a critical role in individuals' approaches to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing various chronic diseases. This study aims to explore weight mindsets among overweight Iranian adults to enhance understanding of this population's weight management dimensions.
Methods: This qualitative study employed an interpretive content analysis approach. Using purposive sampling with maximum variation, we recruited 33 adults (aged 20-50 years) from various Iranian cities, ensuring diversity in gender, age, and educational background. Data collection occurred through in-depth, semi-structured interviews between 2022 and 2023. Interview transcripts were analyzed using MAXQDA software, yielding 1,339 initial codes that were systematically categorized into 4 main categories, 10 subcategories, and 25 sub-subcategories.
Findings: Analysis revealed 4 primary categories of weight-related mindsets. The psychological mindsets encompassed emotional factors, with participants highlighting how stress, anxiety, and emotional eating significantly impacted their weight management efforts. Many reported limited perceived agency regarding weight control, often attributing challenges to external factors such as genetics or life circumstances. Rigid thinking patterns, particularly all-or-nothing approaches to diet and exercise, emerged as common barriers to sustainable weight management. Regarding behavioral mindsets, participants attributed weight gain to specific behavioral patterns, including irregular eating habits, overconsumption of high-calorie foods, and limited physical activity. Despite understanding the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, many struggled with consistent implementation of behavioral changes. The physical mindsets category revealed participants' concerns centered on both health implications and aesthetic considerations. Many reported chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint pain, which they attributed to excess weight, alongside expressed dissatisfaction with physical appearance affecting their self-esteem and body image. In terms of social mindsets, weight-related stigma emerged as a significant theme, with participants reporting discrimination in both personal and professional contexts. Cultural norms regarding beauty and health created additional pressure, particularly for women, highlighting the intersection of gender and weight-related stigma in Iranian society. These social pressures notably influenced participants' weight management experiences and their approach to weight loss efforts.
Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore the complex interplay of psychological, behavioral, physical, and social factors in the weight management experiences of overweight Iranian adults. These mindsets, particularly those related to emotions, perceived agency, and social stigma, play a critical role in shaping how individuals approach weight loss and weight management. Interventions aimed at addressing overweight and obesity in this population should consider these multiple dimensions, emphasizing the need for a holistic and culturally sensitive approach. Specifically, interventions should target not only the physical and behavioral aspects of weight management but also the psychological and social challenges that overweight individuals face. Given the particular pressures faced by women in relation to weight and appearance, gender-specific strategies may be necessary to improve the effectiveness of weight management interventions. Further research is needed to explore the role of these mindsets in other cultural contexts and among populations with different demographic characteristics.
Methods: This qualitative study employed an interpretive content analysis approach. Using purposive sampling with maximum variation, we recruited 33 adults (aged 20-50 years) from various Iranian cities, ensuring diversity in gender, age, and educational background. Data collection occurred through in-depth, semi-structured interviews between 2022 and 2023. Interview transcripts were analyzed using MAXQDA software, yielding 1,339 initial codes that were systematically categorized into 4 main categories, 10 subcategories, and 25 sub-subcategories.
Findings: Analysis revealed 4 primary categories of weight-related mindsets. The psychological mindsets encompassed emotional factors, with participants highlighting how stress, anxiety, and emotional eating significantly impacted their weight management efforts. Many reported limited perceived agency regarding weight control, often attributing challenges to external factors such as genetics or life circumstances. Rigid thinking patterns, particularly all-or-nothing approaches to diet and exercise, emerged as common barriers to sustainable weight management. Regarding behavioral mindsets, participants attributed weight gain to specific behavioral patterns, including irregular eating habits, overconsumption of high-calorie foods, and limited physical activity. Despite understanding the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, many struggled with consistent implementation of behavioral changes. The physical mindsets category revealed participants' concerns centered on both health implications and aesthetic considerations. Many reported chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and joint pain, which they attributed to excess weight, alongside expressed dissatisfaction with physical appearance affecting their self-esteem and body image. In terms of social mindsets, weight-related stigma emerged as a significant theme, with participants reporting discrimination in both personal and professional contexts. Cultural norms regarding beauty and health created additional pressure, particularly for women, highlighting the intersection of gender and weight-related stigma in Iranian society. These social pressures notably influenced participants' weight management experiences and their approach to weight loss efforts.
Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore the complex interplay of psychological, behavioral, physical, and social factors in the weight management experiences of overweight Iranian adults. These mindsets, particularly those related to emotions, perceived agency, and social stigma, play a critical role in shaping how individuals approach weight loss and weight management. Interventions aimed at addressing overweight and obesity in this population should consider these multiple dimensions, emphasizing the need for a holistic and culturally sensitive approach. Specifically, interventions should target not only the physical and behavioral aspects of weight management but also the psychological and social challenges that overweight individuals face. Given the particular pressures faced by women in relation to weight and appearance, gender-specific strategies may be necessary to improve the effectiveness of weight management interventions. Further research is needed to explore the role of these mindsets in other cultural contexts and among populations with different demographic characteristics.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Psychology
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