Table 2.

How environmental and individual factors support or obstruct weight reduction/maintenance and positive lifestyle habits

1. Individual – support	2. Individual – obstruct
• Wishes for becoming slimmer • Wishes for becoming healthier • Feeling better with better lifestyle habits • Ability to change gives increased self confidence	• Uncertainty about which food is healthy, information gap • Considering weight and body shape negatively can be demotivating regarding lifestyle changes (mixed feelings) • Aware of ones own bad habits but not willing to change
3. Environmental – support	4. Environmental – obstruct
• Support from parents • The joy and social aspects of being physically active • Levels of activity and fitness influenced by community and identity • Structure and responsibilities in everyday life make changes for better lifestyle habits easier	• Practical and time limiting factors for good habits regarding nutrition and activity when moving out of the family home • High costs as obstacles for buying healthy food and participating in sports activities • Stress and sleeping problems connected to education and life-course dependent changes • The organization of physical activity in school experienced as demotivating by some