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Watson, Ellen C.

Nursing

2005

MS

The Lived Experience of Successful Weight Loss is a phenomenological study of nine (9) women who lost a minimum of fifty (50) pounds and maintained the weight loss for at least two (2) years. They were interviewed in their homes. The interviews were intended to understand, describe and explain the essence of their experience. Margaret Newman's Theory of Health as Expanding Consciousness guided the researcher. The themes that emerged through the analysis of the data were creating health, needing support, self-esteem issues, avoiding deprivation, and the constancy of the struggle. The significance of this research is that it provides insight into the essence of the successful weight loss and maintenance experience. Within the context of the current obesity epidemic, the study will increase understanding of how to assist people in weight loss efforts.