Staff perspectives on obesity within a Welsh secure psychiatric inpatient setting

Purpose: This study aims to understand the perceived causes and consequences of weight gain within a secure psychiatric inpatient service in South Wales. Design/methodology/approach: A purposive sample of 12 staff members were interviewed. These interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes were identified, these were increasing demand for integrated physical health care, unhealthy lifestyles and weight gain viewed as a symptom of poor mental health. Originality/value: It is a unique insight into the factors that contribute to obesity in a Welsh secure unit and adds to current understanding of the challenges of improving weight management services within this sector.