Researchers interviewed 37 people who joined a weight loss program to understand why some quit early. They found that the biggest problems happen at the very beginning: when doctors refer patients to the program, they don’t explain it well enough, and the first appointment sometimes feels rushed and impersonal instead of truly listening to what each person needs. The study suggests that if programs spend more time at the start explaining what to expect and really understanding each patient’s goals, more people might stick with their weight loss journey instead of dropping out.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What causes people to quit weight loss programs early, focusing on how they get referred, what happens at their first appointment, and practical barriers like travel and scheduling
  • Who participated: 37 adults who were part of a weight management service run by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Researchers talked to them about their experiences joining and staying in the program
  • Key finding: The first two steps—getting referred to the program and attending the initial appointment—are the most important times to keep people motivated and engaged. When doctors don’t explain the program well and when first appointments feel rushed rather than personal, people are more likely to quit
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering a weight loss program, ask your doctor detailed questions about what to expect. When you have your first appointment, speak up about your specific goals and needs. Programs that listen and personalize their approach may help you stay committed longer

The Research Details

This was a qualitative study, which means researchers focused on understanding people’s experiences and feelings rather than just collecting numbers. The team conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 people who had joined a weight management service. Semi-structured means the researchers had planned questions but could follow up based on what people said, allowing for deeper conversations. Interviews happened either face-to-face or over the phone, and were recorded and written out word-for-word so researchers could carefully analyze what people said. The researchers then looked for common themes and patterns in what participants shared about their experiences with referrals, first appointments, treatment choices, and practical issues like travel and scheduling.

Understanding why people quit weight loss programs is important because dropout is a major problem that makes these services less effective. By talking directly to people about their experiences, researchers can identify the real barriers and frustrations that numbers alone wouldn’t reveal. This approach helps identify exactly when and why people lose motivation, which is crucial information for improving how these services work

This study has some strengths: it directly asked people about their experiences, which provides honest, detailed insights. However, it’s a smaller study with only 37 people from one program in the UK, so the findings may not apply everywhere. The study looked backward at people’s memories of their experiences, which can sometimes be less accurate than tracking people in real-time. The researchers did not appear to compare their findings to other similar studies or test whether making changes based on this feedback actually improves retention

What the Results Show

The research identified three main areas where people lose motivation early on. First, when doctors refer patients to weight loss programs, they often don’t provide enough information about what the program actually involves. Patients said they wished they’d received clearer explanations so they could make a more informed decision about joining. Second, the initial assessment appointment is a critical moment—it’s the first real interaction with the program—but many people felt these appointments were rushed and focused more on paperwork and system requirements than on understanding their personal situation, goals, and concerns. Patients wanted more exploratory conversations where staff would listen to their individual needs and help them choose treatments that fit their specific circumstances. Third, while most people were satisfied with appointment times and locations, some faced real barriers like travel difficulties and other commitments that made it hard to attend

The study found that people valued personalized attention and felt discouraged when appointments felt impersonal or system-focused. Participants expressed a strong desire for treatment options to be matched to their individual preferences and needs rather than being assigned a one-size-fits-all approach. The research also showed that practical logistics, while not the main reason people quit, did create barriers for some participants, suggesting that programs should consider flexibility in scheduling and location options

This research adds to existing knowledge by pinpointing exactly when and why people drop out of weight programs. While previous research has shown that dropout is a problem, this study provides specific insights into the early stages—referral and initial assessment—as critical intervention points. The findings align with general principles in healthcare that show personalized, patient-centered care improves engagement and outcomes

The study included only 37 people from one NHS program in the UK, so results may not apply to all weight loss programs or different countries. The research relied on people remembering and describing their past experiences, which can be affected by memory and how people feel now. The study didn’t follow people over time to see if changes based on this feedback actually reduce dropout rates. Additionally, the study didn’t include people who completed the program successfully, so we don’t know what they experienced differently

The Bottom Line

Weight loss programs should improve how they explain services to doctors and patients at referral time (High confidence). Programs should redesign initial appointments to be more personal and exploratory, focusing on understanding individual needs rather than just completing paperwork (High confidence). Programs should consider flexible scheduling and location options to reduce practical barriers (Moderate confidence). These changes appear likely to improve how many people stay engaged with weight loss services

This research matters for: people considering weight loss programs (so you know what to expect and ask for), doctors who refer patients to these programs, and program managers who want to reduce dropout and help more people succeed. It’s particularly relevant for anyone in the UK using NHS weight management services, though the principles likely apply to weight loss programs elsewhere

Changes to referral and initial assessment processes could potentially improve retention within the first few weeks of a program. However, the long-term success of weight loss itself typically takes months to years to see significant results. Improvements in program structure might help people stay engaged long enough to experience those benefits

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your engagement level at key program milestones: rate your motivation and clarity about program goals at referral, after your first appointment, and weekly for the first month. Use a simple 1-10 scale to identify when motivation dips and what triggered it
  • Before your first appointment with a weight program, write down 3-5 specific questions about what the program involves and what results you can realistically expect. During the appointment, actively share your personal goals and ask how the program can be customized for you. Request a summary of what was discussed and agreed upon
  • Set monthly check-ins to assess whether the program still feels personalized and aligned with your needs. If you notice decreasing motivation, schedule a conversation with your program provider to discuss adjustments rather than quietly dropping out. Track attendance and any barriers (travel, scheduling, motivation) to identify patterns early

This research describes factors that may influence whether people stay engaged with weight loss programs, based on interviews with 37 participants. It does not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. If you’re considering a weight loss program, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss what’s appropriate for your individual health situation. The findings are based on one program in the UK and may not apply universally. Always seek professional medical guidance before starting any weight management program, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications