Using positive deviance for determining successful weight-control practices.
Based on positive deviance (examining the practices of successful individuals), we identified five primary themes from 36 strategies that help to maintain long-term weight loss (weight control) in 61 people. We conducted in-depth interviews to determine what successful individuals did and/or thought about regularly to control their weight. The themes included weight-control practices related to (a) nutrition: increase water, fruit, and vegetable intake, and consistent meal timing and content; (b) physical activity: follow and track an exercise routine at least 3x/week; (c) restraint: practice restraint by limiting and/or avoiding unhealthy foods; (d) self-monitor: plan meals, and track calories/weight progress; and (e) motivation: participate in motivational programs and cognitive processes that affect weight-control behavior. Using the extensive data involving both the practices and practice implementation, we used positive deviance to create a comprehensive list of practices to develop interventions for individuals to control their weight.
Department of Medicine, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA. hstuckey@hmc.psu.edu
Heather L
HL
Stuckey
Jarol
J
Boan
Jennifer L
JL
Kraschnewski
Michelle
M
Miller-Day
Erik B
EB
Lehman
Christopher N
CN
Sciamanna
D000328:Adult; D019985:Benchmarking; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013637:Tape Recording; D013997:Time Factors; D014675:Vegetables; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult