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How social relationships influence even “small” eating behavior changes: Low‐income urban adults’ experiences in a pilot weight loss intervention
Author(s) -
Eldridge Johanna D.C.,
Devine Carol M.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.617.11
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , intervention (counseling) , weight loss , psychology , obesity , gerontology , medicine , environmental health , psychiatry , endocrinology
Small eating behavior changes (SEBCs) are proposed as more feasible to make & sustain than larger changes typical of traditional behavioral weight loss interventions. This qualitative analysis focuses on how the social environment impacts the experience of SEBC in a 12 week pilot weight loss intervention. Interviews with 46 men & women (mean age 51, mean initial BMI 34kg/m 2 , 56% Black, 41% Hispanic) investigated challenges, facilitators, & the role of social interactions in making one participant‐selected SEBC. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative method. Emergent themes included work & family demands , food roles & responsibilities , home food environment , & network responses to intervention involvement acting as both barriers & facilitators. Participants also discussed strategies used to negotiate SEBCs in the social environment & navigate challenges, including selective disclosure of intervention involvement , integrating SEBCs into social settings , & asserting food control . Gender differences were reported: men were less likely to report family influence & more likely to report strategies to navigate their social environment. Small EBC interventions should (1) consider the impact of the social environment & (2) help participants develop strategies to identify & navigate social barriers to EBC. Grant Funding Source : NHLBI, USDA Ecology of Obesity Training Grant