Stigma perceived by overweight women

Rev Bras Enferm. 2020 Sep 21;73(suppl 4):e20190321. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2019-0321. eCollection 2020.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: to understand the experience of discrimination perceived by overweight women.

Methods: a qualitative research conducted at an outpatient clinic in Salvador, Bahia, where eleven women were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and submitted to thematic content analysis.

Results: the analysis of the statements expressed three categories: Suffering discrimination in different social contexts: denounced disrespect, hostility, veiled and/or explicit exclusion, prejudice, injustice and insults lived in public transport, at work, in the family environment, in social events and commercial establishments; Experiencing negative feelings about discrimination: revealed inferiority, sadness, shame, fear, anger, frustration, low esteem and discouragement faced by women; Reacting to discrimination: expressed isolation of marital intimacy and social encounters, removal from work, concealment of body and feelings and even illness of women.

Final considerations: the discrimination experienced in various settings has caused suffering, embarrassment, negative feelings, shame, isolation and loss in women's lives.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Overweight
  • Prejudice*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Social Stigma*