Public Health Education and Promotion Commons^™

Using Positive Deviance For Determining Successful Weight- Control Practices, Heather L. Stuckey, Jarol Boan, Jennifer L. Kraschnewski, Michelle Miller-Day, Erik B. Lehman, Christopher N. Sciamanna

Communication Faculty Articles and Research

Based on positive deviance (examining the practices of successful individuals), we identified five primary themes from 36 strategies that help to maintain long-term weight loss (weight control) in 61 people. We conducted in-depth interviews to determine what successful individuals did and/or thought about regularly to control their weight. The themes included weight-control practices related to (a) nutrition: increase water, fruit, and vegetable intake, and consistent meal timing and content; (b) physical activity: follow and track an exercise routine at least 3×/week; (c) restraint: practice restraint by limiting and/or avoiding unhealthy foods; (d) self-monitor: plan meals, and track calories/weight progress; and …