A Qualitative Investigation of the Need for and Feasibility of Weight Loss Programs on University Campuses

Background: This study aims to investigate the practicality of and the need for university-based weight loss programs, as weight management has remained a low priority for health programming on university campuses, despite the significance of obesity in public health applications.

Methods: The study utilized PRISM framework and semi-structured individual interviews to explore the readiness, preferences, characteristics, barriers, and facilitators of staff and students at two large U.S. universities. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis, and themes were extracted.

Results: The results highlight that participants generally supported university-base weight loss initiatives, but also identified several challenges. These include limited resources, coordination difficulties, competition with other health priorities, campus environment, and students’ busy schedules.

Conclusions: For universities looking to develop and implement weight loss programming, recommendations were provided to encourage effectiveness. Recommendations focused on developing positive and holistic approaches to avoid weight stigma, gain support from university leaders and students, and secure external funding.