Exploring the Experiences of Iranian Women Regarding Obesity Self-Management: A Qualitative Study

BACKGROUND: Despite the high and growing prevalence of obesity in Iran and a variety of interventions by the healthcare providers control the problem, and it is still a prevalent health problem among Iranian women. AIM: The aim of this study is to explore the perspective of obese Iranian women in the process of self-management regarding the facilitating factor in self-management of obesity. METHODS: In a qualitative study, the participants were selected through purposeful sampling, and the data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group (n = 25) between July 2017 and September 2018. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data were analysed using constant comparative method. RESULTS: Supporting the umbrella was the main category found in the present study. The participating obese individuals found “support” as the main factor with an outstanding effect on motivating, incentivising and keeping diet in long-term. This category contains subcategories: self-help; family, friends, and peers’ support; and medical team’s support. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested the critical role of support in obesity self-management process. This critical factor improves our perception of the multi-aspect and complicated nature of obesity self-management. Moreover, policymakers and providers of health services can utilise this finding in the design of care plans with higher chance of success.