Hispanic/Latina women’s perceived barriers and suggestions for self-monitoring food and exercise: A qualitative study

Self-monitoring (SM) of diet and exercise is a useful strategy for weight management, either as a standalone treatment or as part of behavioral weight loss (BWL) interventions. However, rates of adherence to SM are often low among Hispanic/Latina women. In this qualitative study, 14 Hispanic/Latina women with overweight or obesity attended focus groups and were asked to identify perceived barriers to SM and suggestions for improving adherence. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Major barriers included avoidance, cultural features, mental health, and negative perceptions of SM. Major suggestions were to intervene on multiple levels (i.e. community, group, individual), incorporate mental healthcare, reduce the burden of tracking, and prioritize health rather than weight. Future studies should empirically test the novel suggestions identified in this study to determine whether they increase SM adherence.