Barriers, motivations, and understanding: A qualitative study on the acceptability of an academic weight management program

Introduction: Obesity is a critical health issue, and West Virginia is a state with an exceptionally high obesity rate. There are evidence-based medical guidelines for treating obesity utilized by medical weight management programs. The primary purpose of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the acceptability of an academic medical weight management program that utilizes guidelines-based treatment for obesity. Methods: This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 20 participants enrolled in an academic medical weight management program. Interviews were completed and transcribed. Themes were identified through qualitative content analysis. Results: Twenty participants enrolled in a medical weight management clinic participated. Five main themes emerged during analysis of the interview content: 1) satisfaction with clinical and support staff, 2) desire for additional touchpoints with clinical staff, 3) perception of non-judgmental support, 4) perception of support by the clinic following policy changes affecting treatment coverage, and 5) participation due to intrinsic motivation. Conclusion: Patients enrolled in medical weight management clinics exhibit a wide diversity of motivations for their desired weight loss, but commonly face a variety of challenges to their care, including unreliable insurance coverage and social stigma related to obesity. However, the resulting themes identify acceptable approaches for medical weight management clinics such as increase touch points, supportive clinical staff who provide non-judgmental support, and an understanding of participants intrinsic motivations.