Representações sociais da alimentação entre pessoas com sobrepeso

Abstract

This study was motivated by the constant search of women for a behavior change in relation to a healthier diet, combined with physical activity for a better quality of life. The objective was to identify the social representations of the diet among overweight women in search of weight loss. The Theory of Social Representations provided possibilities for a better understanding of socially shared thoughts, as well as being extremely important in the understanding of world knowledge, in which the groups are inserted and exchange information, share opinions and concepts referring to a particular topic of relevance Social. The participants were 14 overweight women, who participated in a weight loss group. A semi-structured interview was conducted and a questionnaire was applied with characterization questions and on weight loss practices. The data collected were the subject of categorical thematic analysis (Bardin, 2011). In this analysis, four categories were presented, present in the interview: Health, Pleasure, Anxiety and Social Aspects. In addition, it was observed that the methods used for weight loss are related to eating habits and physical activity practice.