Special Planning
LOU Yingmei, LIU Ruobing, DING Shicheng, ZHONG Xiaoli
Objective To explore the lived experiences of obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) regarding body weight management (BWM), providing an evidence base for developing targeted clinical interventions. Methods Guided by the capability, opportunity, motivation-behavior (COM-B) model, an interview guide was developed. Fifteen obese patients with T2DM were recruited from the department of endocrinology at Zunyi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, between July and September 2025, using purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using directed content analysis. Results Three core themes and ten subthemes were identified: (1) Deficits in BWM knowledge and practical coping capabilities, characterized by cognitive biases regarding weight management, a perceived loss of bodily control, and inappropriate weight control practices; (2) External constraints on BWM, encompassing psychological pressure from high family expectations, conflicts arising from social situations, limitations imposed by habitual dietary behaviors, and restricted access to information support; and (3) Fluctuations in motivation and behavioral control, where lack of perceived efficacy led to diminished motivation, intervention fatigue exacerbated disengagement, and negative emotions triggered behavioral dysregulation. Conclusion The BWM behaviors of obese patients with T2DM are constrained by individual cognitive and physical limitations, as well as insufficient social and familial support. Future interventions should focus on enhancing patient cognition and skills, constructing multi-level support systems, and employing personalized strategies to sustain motivation and optimize weight management behaviors.
