Informing the Cultural Translation of a Weight loss Intervention for Overweight/Obese Adults in Beijing

Objectives: To inform the cultural translation of a US behavioral intervention (iOTA) for the Chinese population.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review, counseling Chinese collaborators' experiences, and conducted key informant interviews. 38 overweight/obese participants (BMI≥24) were recruited in Peking University Health Science Center and Peking University Third Hospital for the key informant interview. Only 20 (52.6%) participants (12 female, 8 male) who came to the face-to-face interview and complete the 20-minute survey were selected for data analysis. The interviews contained questions about weight loss history, weight related concerns and barriers during weight loss process, general lifestyles, and also inquiries of comments and acceptance for each iOTA goal and intervention approach.

Results: Physical activity and dieting are the primary options for weight loss. Health and lack of perseverance are the biggest weight loss concern and barrier. After tailoring by literature review, all of the tailored iOTA goal and intervention approaches had more than 80% acceptance except "Red meat no more than 1 time per week" with only 60% acceptance. 20% people found difficulty attending all of the 4 group sessions.

Conclusion: iOTA principle is largely accepted by Chinese population with proper cultural modification focusing on health concerns, perseverance, special eating habit, and social stress.

Keywords: Weight-loss, interventions, iOTA, cultural translation, key informant interview