Vivência e sentimentos de indivíduos com obesidade atendidos nos serviços públicos de saúde

Abstract

The growing prevalence of obesity worldwide makes the disease a health problem that requires longitudinal care actions guided by health surveillance. From the perspective of the overweight or obese individual, it is evident that issues related to their experience in seeking care in public health services are still little explored. The aim of this study was to understand the experience and feelings of individuals with obesity who were assisted in public health services. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, carried out between January and June 2021. Twenty-one individuals who were being monitored or who had already been followed for treatment of obesity or complications associated with obesity in public health services from the city of Campina Grande participated in the study. Data were collected through recorded semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed in full, and the textual corpus was indexed to the IRAMUTEQ software. After definition of word classes, the categories were created based on Bardin's Content Analysis. The lexicographical and content analysis of the textual corpus of the interviews produced three thematic categories focusing on the self-perception and impacts of obesity on the daily lives of individuals with obesity; obesity treatment: alternatives and difficulties; a look at the experience of the individual with obesity in public health services. Associated comorbidities, experienced prejudice and low self-esteem were characteristics present in the lives of the individuals who participated in the study, and that hinder weight loss. Greater support from healthcare teams to promote health and early prevention of obesity is suggested, aiming at a more humanized look of this individual.