Thesis-2009-AlexanderCooper.pdf (7.77 MB)
Download fileOverweight, obesity and weight management
thesis
posted on 2017-08-24, 15:52 authored by Julie Alexander-CooperThere is significant research evidence to demonstrate that physical activity can produce weight
loss, weight maintenance and positive health effects in the overweight and obese. However, it
can be difficult to get this population sufficiently active to achieve these benefits. This thesis
reports on a series of studies that explore physical activity used alone and in conjunction with
other weight management strategies. The primary aim was to gain a greater understanding about
how weight loss and continued long term weight maintenance could be achieved. The first study
was a systematic review on the dose of physical activity associated with weight loss and weight
maintenance, it investigated if the current treatment dose was appropriate. The findings
correlated with the recently published new CDC guidelines. In the second study, semi-structured
interviews were employed to explore the attitudes and experiences of overweight and obese
individuals towards weight loss and health. It was reported by participants that they prefer
autonomy and personalisation to tailor weight loss and health strategies to their own lifestyles. It
was also found that their knowledge base was confused and outdated. In the final study, a
sample of overweight and obese adults took part in participatory action research with the aim to
design and assess their own weight management programme. A multi-strategy weight
management programme emerged that could be tailored to individual lifestyle. Tips and ideas
were also devised to aid weight maintenance. This thesis found that the overweight and obese
appeared to favour a multi-strategy weight management intervention that could be incorporated,
personalised and tailored to their everyday lives. Physical activity (that was enjoyable, lifestyle or
accomplished through accumulated bouts), dietary changes, education/improved knowledge
base, support and weight monitoring all appeared to be important factors to aid weight
management.
History
School
- Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences