How do social relationships influence men’s weight?

Background: The prevalence of obesity has been predicted to continue increasing until at least 2050. Obesity is strongly associated with preventable, chronic diseases. Weight gain is often associated with lifestyle choices surrounding high-calorie foods and drinks, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour; research suggests excess weight is more detrimental among men. Men are underrepresented in weight loss groups and interventions. Few studies explore men’s perceptions surrounding diet, physical activity and weight loss in England. Methods: A literature gap regarding social influences on men’s weight loss behaviours was identified, which informed the research conducted for this PhD. Two literature reviews were undertaken to identify key social contacts in men’s weight loss experiences. Using semi-structured interviews, two qualitative research studies in the South West of England explored the social relationships that men (n 19) and men’s female relatives (n 16), framed as influencing male weight loss behaviours. Thematic Analysis and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) were used to analyse data. Findings: Men who are fathers may be motivated to care for their weight and health to demonstrate their role as a “good father”; men do not seek “support” from friends for weight loss; and that men talk positively about potential weight loss advice a doctor could provide. This research also found that some women perceive men to be sensitive about their body image, and that many women felt they were in control of food and nutrition at home. Conclusions: Both qualitative studies make an original contribution to the literature: the study among men is thought to be the first interview-based study in the South West of England to explore how social relationships influence men’s dietary, physical activity and weight loss behaviours and experiences; the study among women is thought to be the first study to explore female perspectives of how social relationships influence male weight loss behaviours. These findings could be used in community public health initiatives, weight management services or interventions for men, or in clinical guidelines and policy