Body Image-Related Barriers to Meeting Goals in Behavioral Weight-Loss Interventions among Hispanic/Latina Women: A Qualitative Study

Behavioral weight loss (BWL) interventions can help combat lifestyle-related diseases that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. However, significant body dissatisfaction seems to negatively affect success in meeting diet and exercise goals among certain underserved populations, including Hispanic/Latina women. This study qualitatively explored participant-identified body-image related barriers to meeting step and calorie goals among this population, in addition to suggestions for increasing goal attainment, via focus groups. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. This study was approved by the University of New Mexico Institutional Review Board, approval # 2207011040. Major barriers were related to mental health problems, a lack of progress negatively affecting motivation, and negative self-talk. Major suggestions were to incorporate mental healthcare, provide multi-level programming, and increase positive body image. The suggestions identified in this study highlight the relationship between body image, depression, and self-esteem among this population. Although they require empirical testing, they could feasibly be incorporated into BWL interventions or comprehensive medical weight management plans and would likely improve the health of this and other underserved populations.