Mafalda Leitão , Faustino R. Pérez-López , João Marôco , Filipa Pimenta
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Objective
Most women experience weight gain during the menopausal transition, often attributed to behavioral factors. Nevertheless, some women successfully maintain a healthy weight during this phase. This study aims to identify the successful cognitive and behavioral weight management strategies employed by postmenopausal women who effectively maintained a healthy weight during the menopausal transition (from premenopause to postmenopause).
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 Portuguese postmenopausal women, aged 45–65 years (mean and standard deviation 54.06 ± 5.51) who successfully maintained a healthy weight (body mass index: 18.5 kg/m2–24.9 kg/m2) during the menopausal transition. The interviews were conducted via telephone (n = 29) and Zoom (n = 2), based on the participant's preference, and ranged from 11 to 52 min (22.06 ± 9.95). Using MAXQDA software, deductive-dominant content analysis of the interviews was performed. The Interface of R for the Multidimensional Analyses of Texts and Questionnaire software was used for lexical analysis.
Results
The qualitative analysis of cognitive and behavioral strategies for successful weight management yielded 17 categories and 37 sub-categories. Effective cognitive and behavioral strategies (e.g., planning content, stimulus control, support: help from others) were identified, mostly aligning with the Oxford Food and Activity Behaviors Taxonomy. Five new categories emerged: dietary choices, intuitive eating, food literacy, psychological self-care, and effortful inhibition.
Conclusion
Knowing effective cognitive and behavioral weight management strategies for menopausal women is relevant, especially considering their status as a high-risk group. This knowledge provides a valuable guide for designing weight management interventions, emphasizing the essential role of behavioral change.
期刊介绍:
Maturitas is an international multidisciplinary peer reviewed scientific journal of midlife health and beyond publishing original research, reviews, consensus statements and guidelines, and mini-reviews. The journal provides a forum for all aspects of postreproductive health in both genders ranging from basic science to health and social care.
Topic areas include:• Aging• Alternative and Complementary medicines• Arthritis and Bone Health• Cancer• Cardiovascular Health• Cognitive and Physical Functioning• Epidemiology, health and social care• Gynecology/ Reproductive Endocrinology• Nutrition/ Obesity Diabetes/ Metabolic Syndrome• Menopause, Ovarian Aging• Mental Health• Pharmacology• Sexuality• Quality of Life