Developing Intervention Program Based on Narrative Therapy and Evaluating Its Effectiveness on Lifestyle and Biological Health, and Weight Management in Overweight Adults

Title: Developing Intervention Program Based on Narrative Therapy and Evaluating Its Effectiveness on Lifestyle and Biological Health, and Weight Management in Overweight Adults Background :Overweight and obesity are multidimensional conditions involving biological, psychological, and social factors. Traditional interventions often prioritise diet and exercise while overlooking the underlying narratives that shape self-concept, agency, and health behaviour. This study developed and evaluated a narrative therapy-based intervention to enhance lifestyle practices, biological health, and weight management among overweight adults. Methods :Fifteen adults aged 35–45 (five men, ten women; BMI 25–29.9) participated in a ten-week narrative therapy program comprising ten group and five individual sessions. A mixed-method design was used, combining quantitative measures (BMI, weight, lifestyle index, and health-related self-efficacy) with qualitative data from reflective journals and interviews analysed thematically and narratively. Reflexive autoethnography captured the participants’ experiential perspectives, with facilitator reflections providing insight into relational and symbolic dynamics of lifestyle change. Results :Men showed reductions in BMI (28.44→26.92) and weight (86.9→81.9 kg), and significant increases in lifestyle index (54.2→70.6) and health-related self-efficacy (33.0→53.0). Women demonstrated similar patterns: BMI (28.27→26.33), weight (76.5→71.3 kg), lifestyle index (55.1→70.0), and self-efficacy (34.0→54.0). All changes were significant ( p  < .001). Qualitative analysis revealed five key themes as re-authoring identity, reconnection with the body, intrinsic motivation, collective healing, and integration of change. Women’s narratives emphasised compassion and acceptance; men’s centred on mastery and control. Conclusion :The narrative therapy-based intervention produced meaningful improvements in lifestyle, biological health, and health-related self-efficacy. By reshaping self-narratives of health and capability, participants achieved measurable behavioural and emotional transformation. Narrative approaches can thus complement biomedical and behavioural strategies in sustainable weight management.