Objective: To explore caregivers' expectations of pediatric weight management prior to starting treatment.
Methods: Interviews conducted with 25 purposefully selected caregivers of children, ages 8-12 years, waiting to begin 4 different weight management programs. Interviews were conducted and recorded via telephone and coded using a multistage inductive approach.
Results: Caregivers listed specific motivators for seeking treatment that did not often align with clinical measures of success: caregivers perceived child's socio-emotional health improvement to be an important success measure. Caregivers understood the program's approach, but were unsure of the commitment required. Caregivers were confident they would complete treatment but not in being successful.
Conclusions: Caregivers' expectations of treatment success and their role in treatment may be a hindrance to adherence.