Evaluating and Understanding Weight Management Experiences Among Adolescent Girls During and After Residential Treatment for Obesity

Background: Residential programs have been utilized for the treatment of adolescents with severe obesity, yet few have been evaluated. Objective: The objectives were to (1) evaluate the effect of a long-term residential treatment program focused on treating adolescent girls with obesity and (2) explore girls' perceptions of weight management during and after participating in the program. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to examine changes in weight outcomes over time among adolescent girls who completed the program (N = 12), and conduct qualitative interviews to explore perceptions of weight management after completion (N = 5). Results: Girls in the program showed a reduction in mean BMI of 16.1 ± 4.2 kg/m² (−36.3% ± 5.9%) over a mean of 57 weeks. At follow-up, three participants regained weight while two maintained their completion weight. The program shifted girls' health goals from weight loss to improved overall health. Experiences of social connection and disconnection were identified as components that impacted weight management trajectories over time. Conclusion: This program demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in BMI. The structured nature and the emphasis on therapeutic methods were key components of the program. Social support was identified by participants as being integral to successful weight maintenance over time.