Addressing male obesity: an evaluation of a group-based weight management intervention for Scottish men

Abstract 

Background

Male obesity is increasing and, despite well-established links between obesity and ill-health, men appear reluctant to engage in weight loss programmes. This reticence may reflect a general failure to recognise gender issues in weight management. Community nurses working in partnership with a community dietitian in Camelon, a deprived area of Scotland, have developed a group-based weight management programme specifically for obese men. This paper provides an evaluation of the first 4 years of the Camelon model's operation.

Methods

Anonymised databases from local Men's Health Clinics and the weight management programme were consulted to determine the reach and weight loss outcomes of the Camelon model. These databases also provided the demographic and health characteristics of weight management participants. Finally, focus groups obtained the views of participants and their wives.

Results

The majority (76.2%) of the obese men who enrolled in a weight management group completed the 12-week programme: of these, 44.3 % achieved ≥5% weight loss. The model's reach was 11.4% and participants were highly representative of the target population. Health risks and being described as “obese” were the main motivators reported for joining. Participants appreciated the flexible approach to weight management, the humour, the rapport with the nurses and other men, and found advice about positive food and exercise choices useful.

Conclusion

The Camelon model offers a gender-specific intervention for obesity that could be adopted in other primary care settings. Whilst a single approach to weight management is unlikely to appeal to all men, the model engaged a significant number of a traditionally hard-to-reach population.

Keywords: Obesity, Weight loss, Primary care, Men's experiences, Gender weight management, Group intervention