‘Something Was Missing’: A Qualitative Study of Parents' Expectations in Weight-Related Health Care for Children

Abstract

Aim: To explore how parents perceive health care encounters related to their child's higher weight and to interpret these experiences within the broader societal context shaped by cultural norms and representations. Design: A qualitative design was employed using semi-structured interviews to capture parents' experiences. The study was informed by a conceptual framework that views weight as both a personal and socially constructed phenomenon. Methods: Eighteen parents from Finland were interviewed between May 2022 and June 2023. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes in parents' experiences and perceptions. Results: Three main themes were identified. The relational dimension highlighted the importance of individualised care, where health care professionals take time to get to know the family and recognise each member as an individual. The emotional dimension emphasised the need to protect the child, strengthen parental self-efficacy and provide sensitive, skilled support that fosters a sense of safety. The practical dimension focused on the need for active and targeted care, including structured weight-related routines, multidisciplinary collaboration and services that respond to the everyday realities of families. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for health care encounters that are individualised, emotionally safe and sensitive to the diverse realities of families. Moving beyond weight-centric approaches, care should offer a range of supportive options that reflect parents' varied expectations, concerns and needs. Impact: This study responds to the need for a deeper understanding of how parents experience health care encounters related to their children's higher weight. The findings highlight the importance of designing care interactions that provide professionals with adequate time, expertise and training to deliver individualised, stigma-sensitive care. Reporting Method: COREQ. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.