This qualitative study reveals that multiple factors such as family background and social norms significantly shape adolescents' experiences and perceptions of obesity.
Exploring the lived experiences of obese adolescents in China provides a theoretical framework for understanding their challenges and developing effective management and psychological support strategies.
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The alarming prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has emerged as a significant public health challenge. Since the World Health Organization (WHO) identified obesity as a global health priority in 2018, it has evolved from an individual concern to a medical condition requiring intervention, with profound implications for both individuals and society. Adolescent obesity is intricately linked to various aspects of health, including social, emotional, behavioral, and cultural dimensions. There is a notable lack of qualitative research on obesity experiences in China. Conducting qualitative studies to explore the life experiences, motivations, and physical activity patterns of students can deepen our understanding of their true feelings and needs, while providing robust support for developing more effective obesity prevention and control strategies. This study employs two primary approaches. First, textual analysis was conducted to examine relevant literature on obesity experiences and body philosophy, including monographs, journals, academic reports, and speeches, establishing a theoretical foundation for the body philosophy of obesity experience and the thematic structure of adolescent obesity experience. Second, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 students, ensuring a balanced gender representation, to collect qualitative data. The relationship between obesity and health issues is not dichotomous but rather exists in a continuum between health and disease. Multiple factors, including family background, gender, and social norms, influence the development and subjective experience of adolescent obesity. This study examines the stigmatization experienced by adolescents and provides a theoretical framework for understanding the embodied experience of obesity. It offers an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of young individuals, portraying their real-life situations and revealing their inner worlds. Qualitative research on the experience of obesity can challenge public stereotypes about adolescents and broader obese populations, thereby facilitating their better integration into society. By exploring how obese adolescents perceive and interact with the world, manage social relationships, and develop unique self-perceptions, this study enhances our understanding of their quality of life and current circumstances. Consequently, it proposes effective management strategies and psychological support measures. Additionally, this research enriches our understanding of obesity, critiques existing biases, and explores the distinct ways in which obese bodies perceive and respond to external stimuli, as well as the relationship between obesity and bodily experiences.
Zhenfei Zhu (Thu,) reported a other. This qualitative study reveals that multiple factors such as family background and social norms significantly shape adolescents' experiences and perceptions of obesity.