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Table 2 How environmental and individual factors support or obstruct weight reduction/maintenance and positive lifestyle habits

From: Motivation and obstacles for weight management among young women – a qualitative study with a public health focus - the Tromsø study: Fit Futures

1. Individual – support

2. Individual – obstruct

• Wishes for becoming slimmer

• Wishes for becoming healthier

• Feeling better with better lifestyle habits

• Ability to change gives increased self confidence

• Uncertainty about which food is healthy, information gap

• Considering weight and body shape negatively can be demotivating regarding lifestyle changes (mixed feelings)

• Aware of ones own bad habits but not willing to change

3. Environmental – support

4. Environmental – obstruct

• Support from parents

• The joy and social aspects of being physically active

• Levels of activity and fitness influenced by community and identity

• Structure and responsibilities in everyday life make changes for better lifestyle habits easier

• Practical and time limiting factors for good habits regarding nutrition and activity when moving out of the family home

• High costs as obstacles for buying healthy food and participating in sports activities

• Stress and sleeping problems connected to education and life-course dependent changes

• The organization of physical activity in school experienced as demotivating by some