THE DAILY EFFORT TO SAY NO TO "GOOD LIFE": A CASE STUDY WITH OBESE PEOPLE WHO RECEIVE NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

Authors

  • Rafael da Silva Mattos
  • Viviane do Valle Couto Reis

Abstract

Obesity is a condition of excessive accumulation of generalized or localized fat that can compromise the health of the individual. The etiology of obesity is a multifactorial process involving genetic, environmental and individual aspects, which makes more difficult the action on their determinants. The treatment of obesity may involve different components such as body practices, medicine and psychological support, but nutritional practices are essential to ensure increased health and vitality. The objective of this study was to understand some meanings attributed by obese people, certain nutritional practices. We carried out a qualitative socio-anthropological case study and empirical analysis, in which the greatest methodological concern was with the description, understanding and interpretation of observed phenomena in a specific group of obese participants. Open interviews were made in depth and concluded that the low-calorie diet can be understood as a necessary strategy for weight control but also as the deprivation of pleasure and joy of eating.

Key words: Obesity. Nutritional practices. Deprivation of pleasure.

Published

2011-08-29

Issue

Section

CASE REPORTS