2012 Volume 59 Issue 3 Pages 171-182
Objectives A qualitative analysis was conducted to identify factors important for weight loss through a specific health guidance program and to understand the processes that were crucial in achieving success.
Methods Twenty-six male workers aged 41–59 years from five corporate health insurance societies in four prefectures who had lost ≥4% weight by attending the six-month specific health guidance program were invited to participate in the in-depth interviews. Data were collected between October and December 2009. We audio taped the 30-minute interviews and performed qualitative analysis on the transcripts using a grounded theory. The discussion by the expert panel strengthened the validity of the analysis.
Results The mean age was 49.9±5.6 years, and the average weight loss was 6.8±2.5%. All subjects were somewhat concerned about their health status and body shape before the first appointment, but two major prosesses, “critical feeling” and “sense of obligation,” were identified after the first appointment. We also identified innovative efforts in all subjects during the process. Those who reported a “sense of obligation” at the beginning and those who had a negative perception during the program were found to have higher risks of weight rebound after the program was over. We considered personality, values, attitudes toward the program, and support from both family and workplace as the intervening conditions for behavior modification.
Conclusion Since everyone aged 40–74 years with a certain risk of metabolic syndromes is obligated by law to participate in the specific health guidance program, weight loss is challenging for those who are not motivated enough to change their behaviors. Therefore, the initial assessment of one's motivations, followed by interventions taken in consideration of one's lifestyle and social background, are crucial for the success of a weight loss program, as is the use of a client-centered approach.
