Adolescent and parental views on weight and weight management: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the views of adolescents with excess weight and parents of adolescents with excess weight towards weight and weight management.

Design: A qualitative study design using semi-structured phone interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data.

Settings: Parents and adolescents based in the UK and recruited through schools, social media and youth centres.

Participants: Ten parents and 16 adolescents, including four linked parent-child dyads.

Results: Both parents and adolescents reported that adolescents felt societal pressure to achieve an 'ideal body' and that this pressure was the primary motivator for weight loss. All interviewed parents perceived themselves as overweight; however, those who had minimal weight-based shame were more likely to normalise weight discussions, reducing weight shame in their children. Adolescents preferred parents to display healthy behaviours rather than initiate weight-based discussions; however, they wanted to feel supported if the conversations were self-initiated.

Conclusion: Weight is a sensitive issue in intergenerational relationships, primarily driven by feelings of shame. Adolescents feel supported by a 'show not tell' approach from parents, which is more likely in families with less shame. While guidelines encourage clinicians to initiate weight-related conversations, this may not be welcomed by adolescents, although they do want confidence that they could access weight management support if they choose to seek help.