Informing Individualised Behavioural Weight Loss Interventions Using Mixed-Methods, Experimental and Correlational Approaches

Abstract

Obesity management is a key research area given obesity's biopsychosocial and economic consequences, and its high global prevalence. Weight loss and, particularly weight loss maintenance, are difficult to achieve and existing interventions have yet to curb the high rates of obesity. Given the limited effectiveness of interventions to date, coupled with the high prevalence of obesity, the current research programme focuses on several strategies for increasing the effectiveness and scalability of behavioural interventions, with an emphasis on consumer involvement in the design of such programmes (Study One); taking the lead from consumers to investigate strategies for enhancing weight loss intervention engagement and motivation through video messaging (Study 2); and identifying the predictors of different forms of motivation as another means of individualising interventions targeting motivation for weight loss (Study Three). The results contribute to wider efforts to improve the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility of weight management interventions, which remains a considerable challenge and high priority area for future research. Individualising digital weight management interventions shows promise in providing a scalable low-cost solution to sustainable weight loss.