Abstract:

Breaking from traditional obesity research, this study considers how individuals undertake the process of weight management by exploring the shift or changes in motivation. Using the Experiential Research Method as informed by Dialogue Conference techniques, 19 coinvestigators considered, discussed, and rated their experiences with various factors thought to be influential on motivation in the process of managing weight. The primary goal was to articulate the influential sources that contributed to shifts in motivation in order to explore and consider new pathways of remedying escalating obesity rates and the associated costs. Concentric circles representing various dimensions of influence formed the schematic context for the study. Influential dimensions with the circles ranged from environmental, cultural, programmatic, and participation in group(s) to various aspects of one's self as weight management partner. Positioning the literature in imagined proximity to the self, a new view of the research is presented. Combining quantitative and qualitative data, three central themes were revealed about the ebb and flow of weight management motivation. First, by expanding time to include the intention, decision, and goal-setting process that precedes the weight change effort, the quality of the effort could be enhanced, and outcomes improved. Additionally, consideration of the type, quality, and content of goals seem predictive of achievement. Second, the primary obstacle to sustaining motivation was found to be confusion, which may be remedied through self-knowledge. Third, individual preferences and patterns for gathering up a sense of self appear to play a significant role in weight management motivation. By considering weight management as a process, and distinguishing shifts in motivation, more dieters may develop deeper awareness. Degrees of motivation determine levels of adherence that predict outcome. With improved awareness and consciousness, the process of weight management can become a practice for health that can be life enhancing, rather than burdensome.