A Qualitative Model of Weight Cycling

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Weight cycling is a common outcome of societal pressures to achieve idealized body images.
• The interplay between weight cycling, social pressures, and weight stigma remains under-explored qualitatively.
• Potential physical and psychological consequences of weight cycling necessitate further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To qualitatively explore how individuals negotiate weight cycling.
• To understand the influence of social pressures and stigma on weight cycling experiences.
• To develop a model illustrating the stages and dynamics of weight cycling.

Main Methods:

• Conducted in-depth interviews with 36 adults experiencing weight cycling.
• Employed a theory-neutral inductive analysis to derive a qualitative model.
• Examined participants' experiences with social pressures, stigma, and weight management behaviors.

Main Results:

• A qualitative model of weight cycling emerged with stages: entering, undergoing, and challenging the cycle.
• Weight stigma, exacerbated by social pressures, triggered entry into the weight cycling process.
• Internalized weight stigma and disordered weight management were common within the cycle; exiting proved difficult.

Conclusions:

• Weight cycling is a serious issue influenced by societal factors and individual experiences.
• Combating weight cycling requires both macro-level societal changes and individual-level interventions.
• Considering weight cycling as a form of disordered eating may help shift focus from rapid weight loss.