Youth perspectives: experiences with a multidisciplinary weight management service, a qualitative study

This study aims to explore adolescents' perspectives on their experiences with Growing Healthy Kids (GHK), a multidisciplinary weight management service, evaluating their overall satisfaction and identifying areas for improvement in service delivery, acceptability, and effectiveness.

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews explored the perspectives of adolescents living with obesity who had received weight management services through the GHK Service. Interviews were conducted between July 2022 and July 2023 by a non-treating clinician, either face-to-face or by telephone, with written informed consent obtained prior. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was completed in NVivo by three independent researchers. Ethics approval was granted by the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Human Research and Ethics Committee.

A total of 22 adolescents were interviewed. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed four key themes: (i) initial experiences and feelings, (ii) perceptions of service delivery, (iii) impact of the service, and (iv) recommendations for improvement.

This study emphasises the benefits of a multidisciplinary tailored interventions which meet the unique needs of adolescents in weight management services. It identifies emotional challenges such as anxiety and judgment, highlighting the importance of clear communication, empathetic care, and supportive environments. Participants expressed a need for long-term support, flexible appointments, and access to resources like gym equipment. These findings suggest that extending access to weight management services and offering adaptable care can enhance the effectiveness of programs like GHK, promoting sustained engagement and positive health outcomes for adolescents.