An iterative user-focussed approach, was used to develop the LiveLighter Tailored Online Diet and ActivitY (LLTODAY) intervention to improve diet, physical activity and weight loss behaviours in overweight adults.
Livelighter members, signed up via ww.livelighter.com, were invited to participate in focus groups and/or telephone interviews to assist in the development of LLTODAY randomised controlled trial intervention. Development of the intervention was based on the principles of the person-based approach to intervention development1 and the Behavioural Intervention Technology Framework2. Six focus groups and 6 interviews were conducted. The process was iterative with concepts from one group, developed and explored with the next, until saturation was achieved. The focus group guide explored weight management experience and the acceptability of specific intervention ideas. All sessions were digitally recorded and transcribed prior to thematic analysis.
Participants included 27 females and 29 males with BMI’s from 24-42 kg/m2 and 16 health professionals. Overall, there was confusion and misinformation about weight loss behaviours relating to both nutrition and physical activity; “you can’t do 10,000 steps in 30 minutes, I don’t get it”, “it’s not a healthy meal if it’s got a potato”. Both health professionals and overweight adults expressed weight loss beliefs that were not supported by scientific evidence.
Engaging the target audience in the intervention development offered unique insights into current weight loss behaviours, attitudes and beliefs. The LiveLighter campaign ‘‘why" healthy weight is important message, successfully reached overweight adults. However, misinformation and confusion regarding "how" to achieve behaviour change, needs to be addressed through targeted interventions.