Table 2 Summary description of factors within each category

Social support‡

Support provided informally by friends and family, or peers within a group, whether that group was selected by the individual, or one to which they were referred. Primarily facilitative and relating to physical activity. The presence of another with whom participants could be active, or who could adapt alongside them or encourage them, was reported as particularly beneficial.

Psychological (other)

Primarily facilitative, encompassed psychological factors such as attitude, motivation, confidence, determination, persistence, thinking and coping styles and problem solving skills, as well as self- identity.

Beliefs*

Beliefs about self, the causes and management of poor health, and the value of maintaining lifestyle changes, in addition to spiritual beliefs. Largely facilitative.

Formal support^‡

Two types of support: formal support in general, or specific to the types of support individuals would like from a healthcare professional. Support from a healthcare professional included supervision and monitoring and advice for individuals or family members. Barriers included a perceived lack of co-ordinated care, whereas facilitators include a relationship that provided education as well as positive feedback.

Balancing and integrating healthy behaviours with everyday life

Connected to participants’ other commitments, routines and time.

Emotions

Positive facilitative emotions such as a sense of pleasure, achievement or satisfaction, those reported as a barrier or facilitator (e.g. fear), and those reported as barriers alone, including stress or a sense of frustration.

Physical wellbeing

Primarily barriers (all to physical activity) including co-morbidities and injuries.

Education and knowledge

Education typically related to formal support, or to knowledge gained less formally. Facilitators in relation to dietary knowledge, and barriers relating to up to date knowledge in preparation for, and during, maintenance.

Environment

Mainly about the weather, but also incorporated exercise venues as a barrier, an enjoyment of nature and using music as a distraction. All relating to physical activity.

Monitoring and planning†

Participants’ specifications that the monitoring (e.g. of weight) and planning (e.g. of meals and goals) were facilitative to the maintenance of lifestyle behaviour changes.

Personal choice and cultural preferences

Facilitators related to the variety of exercise options and resources available to participants, barriers to managing a healthy diet and weight related to cultural gatherings, related foods and expectations.

Cost

Costs associated with leisure facilities and healthier foods.

Future focus†

Only recorded as a facilitator, this referred to motivation driven by future goals, including spending time with family members.