Obese adolescents' perceptions about the repercussions of obesity on their health

Abstract

The objective this study was to evaluate the perceptions of obese adolescents about the repercussions of obesity on their health. This study was based on the statements of fifteen obese adolescents, monitored at the Ambulatory Clinic of the 'Hospital das Clínicas' of the Federal University of Pernambuco, using a semi-structured interview, during the period between April and July of 2007. The statements that resulted from the transcriptions of the recordings were submitted to content analysis - transversal thematic modality. Four topics related to the objectives of the study were identified: 1) the perception of the concept of obesity; 2) obesity affecting the self-image of the individual; 3) obesity versus health and 4) the difficulty in returning to health. The adolescents perceived obesity as a sickness that was negatively affecting their health, and which contributed to their low self-esteem and made them feel isolated. They recognized that being healthy means following a balanced diet and participating in physical activity, and that it is imperative to have formal and informal support to overcome the difficulties in order to maintain a satisfactory quality of life.