Unbearable weight: young adult women's experiences of being overweight.
Being overweight is a hazard to health. Overweight people have a very negative image due to the marketing strategies for weight reduction and beauty products. Young women establishing self-image, seeking affirmation of social peers, and looking for potential mates are usually concerned about their weight and figure. To investigate the experience of young women who think they are overweight, how they come to think in this way, and the impact of this thinking, this qualitative pilot study conducted semi-structured interviews with five participants. On the basis of the qualitative method, data was subjected to constant comparison and content analysis. The phenomenon can thus be described in three major categories: (1) Social labeling of the overweight - a slim image is overwhelmingly preferred; (2) Pursuing attractiveness or health - a self-struggling process; (3) Weight reduction and self control - an endless struggle. The result of the study suggests there is a need for a competitive image to counter current obsessions with painfully slender figures in society. To protect the public's mental and physical health, nurses should play an active role in weight education based on a deeper and more dynamic understanding of being overweight.
Yu-Jen
Chang
C
National Yang-Ming University. ymliou@ym.edu.tw
Yiing-Mei
Liou
L
Shuh-Jen
Sheu
S
Mei-Yen
Chen
C
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008402:Mass Media; D009341:Negativism; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D012925:Social Conformity; D012928:Social Desirability; D012938:Social Perception; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*