In-depth analysis of obese and overweight women that participated in group visits to address their weight problems

Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze obesity, weight loss struggle and the group visits, through a qualitative study conducted via in-depth interviews with overweight and obese women that attended the group visits for their weight problems. Method: Among women that attended all of the group visits through a period of six months for healthy life-style changes, 20 were selected through purposive sampling and were included in the study. Through semi-structured questions, in-depth interview was conducted with each participant. The interviews were recorded and transcribed afterwards. By obtaining triangulation in the analysis of the transcripts, first coding and afterwards categorization was performed. Results: Four main themes were identified in the findings of the study. The main themes are: "the influence of the emotion, thought and behavior cycle over the weight-loss struggles and obesity", "the influence of the social surrounding over weight-loss struggles", "the experiences in group visits" and "the lifelong milestones". The sub-components of the first theme are: "the impact of personal beliefs on obesity over the behavior", "internal stigmatization and self-restriction", "the endeavor to be accepted by others", "entering a vicious cycle". The sub-components of the second theme are: "external stigmatization", "preferences on how to address weight problems", "the way healthcare professionals choose to address weight problems", "social gender discrimination" and "the influence of the society over the struggles to lose weight". The sub-components of the third theme are: "positive effects", "negative effects", "the healthy life-style changes the patients can maintain", "patients' motivation" and "patients' suggestions". The sub-component of the fourth main theme was determined as "the influence of traumatic experiences over obesity and weight loss struggles". Conclusion: The causes of obesity and the weight loss behaviors share an interconnected and complex structure. The fight against obesity requires tools that can address this complex nature of the problem. Family physicians can help individuals with weight problems through efficient group visits with a bio-psychosocial-cultural and existential approach. Key Words: Obesity, group visits, qualitative study, in-depth interview.