Barriers to Engagement in a Psychological Therapy group in a Multidisciplinary weight Management Program: a Qualitative Study (Hapifed-M)

Background: Participant feedback is critical in assessing how interventions influenced both their learning process, cognitive, and psychological outcomes. This qualitative study explored views and barriers to engagement in a psychological therapy group program as part of a multidisciplinary Weight Management Program (WMP) from the perspectives of individuals with higher body weight (HBW). Methods: This cohort comprised of individuals with obesity Class 3 (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m²), who were enrolled in a longitudinal WMP and had achieved a ≥10% body weight reduction. To maintain physical and mental health improvements, an in-person maintenance group focusing on consolidation of gains and relapse prevention was offered Healthy APproach to weIght management and Food in Eating Disorders-Maintenance (HAPIFED-M). Results: Following a thematic analysis using the Framework method, positive and negative feedback was provided by 19 participants in this study, examining six key themes: (1) Positive content of therapy, (2) Positive socialization and support, (3) Positive therapist features, (4) Negative time of therapy/personal circumstances, (5) Negative process of therapy, and (6) Negative content. Barriers to engagement included a preference for alternative activities and practical impediments. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of the therapeutic engagement, practical features such as timing of groups, and tailoring psychotherapy content to participant’s needs in order to achieve therapeutic engagement.