Perceived barriers to and ideas for weight control interventions in Malay homemakers: results from focus groups

To develop a better understanding of perceived barriers to and ideas for weight loss and maintenance among Malay homemakers in Singapore.

Interventions for weight management were reviewed, and 5 focus groups were conducted among overweight and obese Malay homemakers (n = 24) to explore barriers to and concepts and ideas pertaining to weight loss and maintenance.

Barriers identified included the lack of time, finances, and motivation. Ideas that were most appealing included free health screening, workshops on how best to manage children and family, regular fun group activities, monetary incentives for participation in activities for healthy living, and flexible part-time jobs.

The focus groups provided useful insights pointing toward possible interventions that could appeal to Malay homemakers in Singapore. The most appealing approaches were those that were time flexible and had the least financial burden or had a financial benefit.