title: A qualitative study of the determinants of dieting and non-dieting approaches in overweight/obese Australian adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dieting has historically been the main behavioural treatment paradigm for overweight/obesity, although a non-dieting paradigm has more recently emerged based on the criticisms of the original dieting approach. There is a dearth of research contrasting why these approaches are adopted. To address this, we conducted a qualitative investigation into the determinants of dieting and non-dieting approaches based on the perspectives and experiences of overweight/obese Australian adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Grounded theory was used inductively to generate a model of themes contrasting the determinants of dieting and non-dieting approaches based on the perspectives of 21 overweight/obese adults. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews to elicit in-depth individual experiences and perspectives.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several categories emerged which distinguished between the adoption of a dieting or non-dieting approach. These categories included the focus of each approach (weight/image or lifestyle/health behaviours); internal or external attributions about dieting failure; attitudes towards established diets, and personal autonomy. Personal autonomy was also influenced by another category; the perceived knowledge and self-efficacy about each approach, with adults more likely to choose an approach they knew more about and were confident in implementing. The time perspective of change (short or long-term) and the perceived identity of the person (fat/dieter or healthy person) also emerged as determinants of dieting or non-dieting approaches respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The model of determinants elicited from this study assists in understanding why dieting and non-dieting approaches are adopted, from the perspectives and experiences of overweight/obese adults. Understanding this decision-making process can assist clinicians and public health researchers to design and tailor dieting and non-dieting interventions to population subgroups that have preferences and characteristics suitable for each approach.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia. s.leske@qut.edu.au
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Leske
authors.forename: Esben
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Strodl
authors.forename: Xiang-Yu
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Hou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D036301:Qualitative Research