As percepções sobre o "ser obeso" sob a ótica do paciente e dos profissionais da saúde

The aim of the present work is to analyze, in a Health Center, the health professional’s perception in relation to the obese patient, and the obese patient’s perception about him/herself. This is a qualitative and descriptive study which uses the content analysis technique according to Bardin in a sample of 19 individuals. The data collection was carried out with two groups, health professionals and obese patients, using the projective methods after having them choosing pictures from magazines. For results presentation and discussion, categories were established based on the differences and similarities between the individuals’ opinions. The established categories were the following: obesity related to non-acceptance and low self-esteem; social perception of the obese; the obese individuals’ will power to lose weight; discrimination and prejudice against the obese; obesity treatment; and how obesity interferes in daily activities. It was concluded that the health professionals see the obese individual as a sick person with low self-esteem. The obese patients’ perceptions show that the act of eating is a relief to their tensions. They see themselves as different, they do not accept their body shape and are socially rejected. Finally, they see themselves as people with difficulties and limitations in their daily activities.