Socio-environmental factors underlying motivation loss in adolescents to control weight: perceptions and experiences of Tehranian adolescents

Previous studies have shown the role of environmental and social factors in shaping the obesity related behaviors in adolescents. This study aimed to explore the perception and experiences of overweight/obese adolescents regarding socio-environmental factors underlying motivation loss in adolescents to control weight (2007-2008).
This qualitative study was conducted on 52 overweight/obese 15-17 years old adolescents. Data was collected using semi-structured focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews. Data was analyzed manually using content analysis and differences in coding were resolved via discussion by four independent reviewers.
Two main themes emerged from the data content analysis: “Interpersonal factors” and “contextual factors”. Interpersonal factors were determined by “Family influences” and “Peer influences”. The subthemes of parental influences were “Parents’ insufficient knowledge and inappropriate interactions”, “Priority of educational achievements” and “Mothers’ employment”. The subthemes of peer influences were “Modelling unhealthy lifestyle” and “Intensive competing study”. Contextual factors were explained by “Cultural factors” and “Lack of access”. The subthemes of cultural factors were “Social norms and values” and “Luxury life and Modernism”, and the subthemes of lack of access were “High costs”, “Inefficient education” and “Lack of resources and facilities”.
The results of the study revealed that overweight/obese adolescents believed that socio-environmental factors decreases their motivation to control weight. Understanding these determinants could be helpful to identify effective preventive strategies from obesity, and design effective intervention.