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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
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Support After Adolescent Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment During the Transition Into Emerging Adulthood: Qualitative
Laura Jean Caccavale1, Katlyn Garr1, Madison Weinstock2
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, 2303 N Parham Rd Suite 1, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States, 1 804-527-4780.
JMIR Formative Research
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Adolescents maintained some weight management behaviors after treatment but need ongoing support during the transition to emerging adulthood. Continued support and accountability are crucial for long-term success in managing obesity.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Obesity management
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term management, yet current treatment models inadequately address its long-term nature.
- Existing guidelines offer limited direction for adapting treatment to support weight loss maintenance during the critical transition from adolescence to emerging adulthood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand adolescents' and parents' experiences with weight management post-treatment during the transition to emerging adulthood.
- To identify essential weight management support needs for youth during this developmental phase.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving semistructured interviews with 20 adolescent-parent dyads over 11 months post-treatment.
- Thematic analysis of interviews exploring facilitators, barriers, and support preferences for weight management.
Main Results:
- Adolescents sustained some behaviors like exercise and self-weighing but struggled with others like food monitoring.
- Facilitators included routines and physical activity access; barriers involved time constraints and competing priorities.
- Both adolescents and parents desired continued support, particularly for accountability, with varied format preferences.
Conclusions:
- Key weight management behaviors maintained and areas needing support were identified.
- Emphasizes the need for continued support during the transition to emerging adulthood to sustain healthy behaviors.
- Findings can inform the development of targeted transition programs to improve long-term obesity outcomes.
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