Perceived barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and physical activity in endoscopic bariatric patients: a qualitative study

Purpose To explore the perceived barriers and facilitators to healthy eating and physical activity in individuals opting for endoscopic bariatric procedures. Methods A total of 55 participants were recruited from a metropolitan bariatric clinic in Australia. Participants were interviewed at one of two stages of treatment: pre-procedure (n = 34) or 5-6 months post-procedure (n = 18). Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using content analysis. Results Five themes emerged from analysis of participant responses in both groups including lifestyle, psychological, physiological, social, and eating behaviors. Each theme consisted of subthemes which were either perceived barriers, or facilitators, to healthy eating and physical activity. Perceived barriers consisted of factors such as time constraints, low motivation, unhealthy habits and portion control, low priority of personal health, emotional difficulties, and pain/mobility issues. Facilitators included subthemes such as planning/organization, high motivation, seeing results, improved self-esteem, increased energy, improved mobility, and changing mindset about portions. Conclusion The results highlight the importance of delivering individualized and targeted treatment plans for individuals opting for bariatric procedures.