JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital interventions have the potential to provide wide reaching, cost-effective weight management support. This study aimed to inform the design and message development of LiveLighter Tailored Diet and Activity (LLToDAy), a digital weight management intervention.

Objective:

This paper describes the qualitative study and iterative process used to develop LLTODAY. The main objectives were to 1) identify behavior change techniques for diet and physical activity change in relation to weight loss and 2) explore preferences for digital intervention features that would be effective in changing diet and physical activity behaviors.

Methods:

This qualitative study used the principles of the person-based approach to intervention development, the behavioral intervention technology Framework and capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior (COM-B) framework. Focus groups and telephone interviews were conducted with 56 adults in Western Australia. Focus group findings were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

This study revealed an awareness of key public health messages, but gaps in knowledge and confidence in its application. Four major themes were identified and mapped to the domains of the COM-B framework: 1. Misinformation; 2. Environmental support; 3. Social norms and 4. Confidence.

Conclusions:

There is a need for more intensive weight management interventions to support the public’s ‘capability’ in terms of their knowledge, ‘opportunity’ for social and environmental support and ‘motivation’ to feel confident in weight management behaviors.