‘I need someone to believe in me and walk the journey with me’: A qualitative analysis of preferred approaches to weight management discussions in clinical care among adults with type 2 diabetes

AIMS: To explore the preferences of adults with type 2 diabetes regarding the approach to weight management discussions in clinical care. METHODS: Online survey of Australian adults with type 2 diabetes, recruited via a national diabetes registry. Three open‐ended questions explored participants’ experiences and ideal approach to discussing weight management with health professionals. Data subjected to inductive thematic template analysis. RESULTS: Participants were 254 adults, 58% aged 60+ years, 52% women and 35% insulin‐treated. Five themes were developed to categorise participants’ preferences for, as well as differing experiences of, weight management discussions: (1) collaborative, person‐centred care: working together to make decisions and achieve outcomes, taking personal context into consideration; (2) balanced communication: open, clear messages encouraging action, empathy and kindness; (3) quality advice: knowledgeable health professionals, providing specific details or instructions; (4) weight management intervention: suitable modalities to address weight management and (5) system‐wide support: referral and access to appropriate multi‐disciplinary care. CONCLUSIONS: Participants expressed preferences for discussing weight management in collaborative, person‐centred consultations, with quality advice and personalised interventions across the health system, delivered with empathy. By adopting these recommendations, health professionals may build constructive partnerships with adults with type 2 diabetes and foster weight management.