Listening to Patients: Perspectives on Obesity Management.

ObjectivesAs the number of individuals with obesity continues to grow in the United States, perspectives from patients on factors that help or hinder a patient's weight management journey can guide clinical interventions and programs focused on obesity management. This qualitative research study using a social ecological model lens aimed to identify important patient attitudes, beliefs, and mental models relevant to obesity management in primary care among primarily Latino participants.MethodsParticipants were recruited from a local Family Health Clinic, located in a low-income neighborhood in San Antonio. Patients were selected from a group of patients who had previously implemented lifestyle changes without achieving significant reductions in BMI. Of the patients identified 8 participants completed interviews. Within this cohort, the majority (62.5%) of participants were females, identified as Hispanic (62.5%), making less than $1500 per month (75%), and had a high school education or less (62.5%). Most respondents reported participating in a county health safety net program (87.5%) and had a mean BMI of 36.1 mg/m2. Inclusion criteria was limited to those above 18 years of age, mentally competent to sign consent, English or Spanish speakers, with an established primary care physician, BMI 30 or above with comorbidities or 35 or above without comorbidities, have health insurance or participate in county funded payment plan.ResultsA thematic analysis informed by the SEM was used to analyze the qualitative data. From this, six themes emerged: Barriers Towards Weight Loss, Consequences of Obesity, Previous Lifestyle Changes, Effective Strategies, Motivation for Managing Obesity, and Levels of Support.ConclusionThe findings highlight that obesity management is shaped by interconnected socioeconomic, cultural, and interpersonal factors. Participants identified several key motivators for change; of which, social support, particularly within family and community networks, emerged as an important facilitator of successful weight management. Additionally, patient-centered communication with health care clinicians, preferring approaches that assess readiness, address obesity-related health risks collaboratively, and provide practical, ongoing support rather than information alone. These findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, multidisciplinary, and resource-oriented interventions.