Abstract

SOUZA, Jakeline Maurício Bezerra de et al. Obesity and treatment: behavioral and social challenge. Rev. bras.ter. cogn. [online]. 2005, vol.1, n.1, pp. 59-67. ISSN 1808-5687.

Obesity has been considered by the World Health Organization as one of the most serious problems in public health. The objective of this research was to identify behavioral and social aspects related to the difficulty in losing weight and maintaining the new weight condition in the long term, after a nutritional treatment for losing weight. The sample was composed by patients that had looked for a nutritional treatment at the Onofre Lopes University Hospital, and members of their families. For data collection, a questionary was used, during two stages: at the beginning and 6 months after the end of the treatment. Ten individuals were interviewed: five women, between the ages of 25-57, and one of their family members, also totalizing five people. At the beginning of the treatment, it was verified that the patients presented incorrect and uncoordinated feeding habits, such as skipping a meal along the day. One of the most important aspects in triggering feeding were emotional and situational factors: stress, anxiety, anguish, worry, loneliness, tension, anger and sadness. After a 6 month treatment, the results showed that the patients had modified their feeding behavior, but the changes were not enough to guarantee the expected results - only 2 of them had lost weight. Social support was identified as an important variable. The patients for whom support was given, reported well-being and motivation for weight loss; the ones for whom it was not given, showed frustration. Concerning the relatives, they considered obesity as harmful, and therefore it would be important to diet. They also said that they could help the relative along the treatment but did not know how to do this. Probably, a treatment that could involve the participation of family members would achieve better and more lasting results.

Keywords : Obesity; Treatment; Family support.