Perceptions of body size, obesity threat and the willingness to lose weight among black South African adults: a qualitative study
Loading...
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The obesity epidemic is associated with rising rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among adults,
particularly in countries undergoing rapid urbanisation and nutrition transition. This study explored the perceptions
of body size, obesity risk awareness, and the willingness to lose weight among adults in a resource-limited urban
community to inform appropriate community-based interventions for the prevention of obesity.
METHOD: This is a descriptive qualitative study. Semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with
purposively selected black men and women aged 35–70 years living in an urban South African township. Weight
and height measurements were taken, and the participants were classified into optimal weight, overweight and
obese groups based on their body mass index (Kg/m2). Participants were asked to discuss on perceived obesity
threat and risk of cardiovascular disease. Information on body image perceptions and the willingness to lose excess
body weight were also discussed. Discussions were conducted in the local language (isiXhosa), transcribed and
translated into English. Data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach.
RESULTS: Participants generally believed that obesity could lead to health conditions such as heart attack, stroke,
diabetes, and hypertension. However, severity of obesity was perceived differently in the groups. Men in all groups
and women in the obese and optimal weight groups perceived obesity to be a serious threat to their health,
whereas the overweight women did not. Obese participants who had experienced chronic disease conditions
indicated strong perceptions of risk of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Obese participants, particularly men,
expressed willingness to lose weight, compared to the men and women who were overweight. The belief that
overweight is ‘normal’ and not a disease, subjective norms, and inaccessibility to physical activity facilities,
negatively influenced participants’ readiness to lose weight.
CONCLUSION: Low perception of threat of obesity to health particularly among overweight women in this
community indicates a considerable challenge to obesity control. Community health education and promotion
programmes that increase awareness about the risk associated with overweight, and improve the motivation for
physical activity and maintenance of optimal body weight are needed.
Description
Keywords
Obesity, Overweight, Weight loss, Weight gain, Body image, Risk perception, Willingness, Intention, South Africa, Physical Activity
Citation
Okop, K.J.et al. (2016). Perceptions of body size, obesity threat and the willingness to lose weight among black South African adults: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health, 16: 365