A Solitary Weight Loss Journey: Exploring the Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Obese Adolescents
Abstract
Background: Adolescent obesity is a global public health concern, as habits formed during this critical stage can have long-term health consequences. Understanding how adolescents perceive and experience obesity is crucial for developing effective weight management strategies and promoting overall well-being.
Aims: This study aims to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of obese adolescents in Taiwan, providing deeper insights into their life context.
Method: This phenomenological study recruited participants from a pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic in northern Taiwan from March to July 2022. Adolescents aged 12-18 with a BMI above the 95th percentile were included. Data was gathered through individual semi-structured interviews following ethical approval and informed consent from participants and their guardians. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim within 48 hours, and data were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method.
Results: Twelve participants (six girls) were interviewed, with an average weight of 80.4(±21.23) kg and a median BMI of 81.7 kg. The adolescents described their experience of dealing with obesity as a solitary journey of struggle and self-exploration, involving: (1) reflection on causes: Upon entering adolescence, participants became more concerned with their body image and privately reflected on the causes of their weight gain, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and busy lifestyles that hinder weight management; (2) Emerging motivation: Participants developed strong motivations, including improving peer self-esteem, reducing the aesthetic impact of obesity, and promoting health, to persuade themselves to change; (3) Strenuous attempts: Participants privately engaged in various weight loss strategies, drawing inspiration from social media, TV commercials, personal experiences, and more, trying everything from increasing exercise to controlling diet, mimicking others, and using technological tools; (4) Cycle of frustration: In the end, participants found that without proper guidance, their efforts in weight management were ineffective, leading to yet another round of weight loss attempts, resulting in an endless cycle of frustration and isolation.
Conclusion: Obese adolescents rely on self-exploration for weight management, resulting in cycles of frustration. Early, personalized support is crucial for their well-being.
Notes
References:
Lee, E. B. (2024). What is the disease burden from childhood and adolescent obesity?: A narrative review. Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science, 41(3), 150-157. https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00360
Shams, L., Shafiei, F. & Sadremomtaz, Z. The social and environmental factors impacting the motivation of adolescents for weight control, why and how? A qualitative study. BMC Nutr 10, 19 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-024-00822-4
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Phenomenology
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Primary Care, Adolescent, Obesity, Lived Experiences, Taiwan
Recommended Citation
Chiang, Yueh Tao and Lo, Fu-Sung, "A Solitary Weight Loss Journey: Exploring the Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Obese Adolescents" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 69.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/69
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
A Solitary Weight Loss Journey: Exploring the Lived Experiences and Perceptions of Obese Adolescents
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Adolescent obesity is a global public health concern, as habits formed during this critical stage can have long-term health consequences. Understanding how adolescents perceive and experience obesity is crucial for developing effective weight management strategies and promoting overall well-being.
Aims: This study aims to explore the lived experiences and perceptions of obese adolescents in Taiwan, providing deeper insights into their life context.
Method: This phenomenological study recruited participants from a pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic in northern Taiwan from March to July 2022. Adolescents aged 12-18 with a BMI above the 95th percentile were included. Data was gathered through individual semi-structured interviews following ethical approval and informed consent from participants and their guardians. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim within 48 hours, and data were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological method.
Results: Twelve participants (six girls) were interviewed, with an average weight of 80.4(±21.23) kg and a median BMI of 81.7 kg. The adolescents described their experience of dealing with obesity as a solitary journey of struggle and self-exploration, involving: (1) reflection on causes: Upon entering adolescence, participants became more concerned with their body image and privately reflected on the causes of their weight gain, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and busy lifestyles that hinder weight management; (2) Emerging motivation: Participants developed strong motivations, including improving peer self-esteem, reducing the aesthetic impact of obesity, and promoting health, to persuade themselves to change; (3) Strenuous attempts: Participants privately engaged in various weight loss strategies, drawing inspiration from social media, TV commercials, personal experiences, and more, trying everything from increasing exercise to controlling diet, mimicking others, and using technological tools; (4) Cycle of frustration: In the end, participants found that without proper guidance, their efforts in weight management were ineffective, leading to yet another round of weight loss attempts, resulting in an endless cycle of frustration and isolation.
Conclusion: Obese adolescents rely on self-exploration for weight management, resulting in cycles of frustration. Early, personalized support is crucial for their well-being.
Description
This study explores the lived experiences of obese adolescents in Taiwan using a phenomenological approach. Twelve participants aged 12-18 described their journey as solitary, involving reflection on causes, emerging motivation, strenuous attempts, and cycle of frustration. Findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to support adolescents in overcoming obstacles and improving health outcomes.