Psychosocial barriers and facilitators concerning the dieting process when using the Slimming World programme.

Background: Overweight and obesity is a global concern due to increasing rates and the associated health risks. This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial barriers and facilitators involved in the Slimming World dieting process. Method: Six participants took part in interviews and diaries, which were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: IPA led to the emergence of four themes, walking a tightrope, spiralling, external influences (two subthemes – interference and being part of a community) and a lifestyle not a diet. The facilitators appeared as support, becoming part of a community, acknowledgement of image change and positive mood, outlook and belief. Barriers emerged as interference, comparison to others, pressure to conform and negative mood, outlook and beliefs. Conclusion: Losing weight can be a long slow process where healthy eating needs to be incorporated as an integral element of a person’s lifestyle. Barriers and facilitators within the Slimming World dieting process have been identified. Further research in this area would be useful to develop interventions incorporating behaviour change techniques to reduce the identified barriers and reinforce the facilitators.