"I'm glad you're fat, just like me, Emma. Otherwise, I would never have met you." Children and adolescents' lived experiences of participating in a lifestyle intervention in Norway- a qualitative study.

PURPOSE: This qualitative study aims to explore the lived experiences of 11 children and adolescents from Norway, aged 10 to 17, who are participating in a two-year community-based, family-centered intervention designed to promote weight management through dietary changes and increased physical activity. METHODS: Using a hermeneutic-phenomenological method, we have obtained empirical data through individual interviews, field notes, and participant observation. The analysis is inspired by van Manen's hermeneutic thematic approach. FINDINGS: We derived four main themes : Participation in a lifestyle intervention involves being persuaded into it; Participation involves the gradual discovery of valuable aspects of place and space; Participation involves becoming a member of a new community; and Participation entails engaging in activities that may cause uncomfortable feelings and fears. CONCLUDING REMARKS: The findings reveal how the guidance from health professionals and parents to participate in a lifestyle intervention triggers a range of emotions, including vulnerability, frustration, surprise, and resistance. The participants adapt to the intervention in various ways over time, describing how their experiences with the intervention are intertwined with factors such as the environment, equipment, and interpersonal relationships with peers and healthcare professionals. The clinical implications suggest that group-based lifestyle interventions can lead to changes that extend well beyond merely altering weight and dietary habits. Also, by examining the participants' lived experiences, we can tailor interventions that resonate deeper with each participant's needs and expectations.