A Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experiences of Overweight Adolescents on Family’s Weight-related Comments

Abstract

Current studies on weight-related experiences show that body satisfaction and body image have been significantly related to individuals’ internalization of sociocultural influence in the form of messages, comments, and feedback. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of overweight adolescents on family’s weight comments as well as its role on their body satisfaction. This study and its output attempted to fill in the gaps on weight-related comments by focusing on the qualitative essence of the phenomenon to also guide interventions and studies involving the said topic. With this, phenomenological qualitative design was used to explore the experience of overweight adolescents in UP Manila with regard their family members’ weight-related comments while nine (9) participants from UP Manila aged 18-24 years were interviewed for data collection. The study found parents as the most source of weight comments. Several themes and associated meanings from participants experiences were also revealed. These are feelings of displeasure, feelings of invisibility, family pressure, and desire to alter image. Influencing factors were expressed by participants into three: dressing and eating occasions, reunions, and health concern. Significant impact on body image or satisfaction was also identified in view of participants’ internalization and negative body image. Moreover, participants’ experience on family’s weight-related comments revolved mostly on negative connotations especially with their well-being.