Social Experiences of Adults Using Online Support Forums to Lose Weight: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Studies have shown social support can promote weight loss, specifically when support is received online through forums on weight loss websites. The goal of this study was to explore the experiences of individuals using support forums on weight loss websites. We conducted a content analysis on web-administered survey responses from members of two weight loss websites ( N = 340). The findings revealed three major themes: (1) receiving advice,...