Overweight, obesity and weight management

There 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 It was also found that their knowledge base was confused and outdated.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.