“ I thought I was normal ” children’s understanding of overweight and obesity
A qualitative study in chile
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24231367 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cecilia Prieto B (0000-0002-4096-3501, Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh), Nicola Boydell (0000-0002-2260-8020, Centre for Biomedicine Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh), Linda Bauld (0000-0001-7411-4260, Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh), Jeni Harden (0000-0002-6011-6254, Centre for Biomedicine Self and Society, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 2704344-2704344 |
| Publication date | 2026-12-31 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1748-2623 • E-ISSN: 1748-2631 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/17482631.2026.2704344 |
| PMID | 42484054 |
| OpenAlex | W7170058078 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 56 |
BACKGROUND: Childhood overweight and obesity are prevalent in Chile and globally. Health care responses typically emphasise biomedical and risk-focused approaches, with limited attention to children's own perspectives. OBJECTIVE: This study explored how children clinically classified as overweight or obese understand health, growth and weight within health contexts. METHODS: Participants were recruited from primary care clinics in two municipalities in Santiago, Chile. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 18 children aged 10-12 years during COVID-19 restrictions, incorporating visual tools such as body silhouettes and body mapping to facilitate discussion. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes were identified: Translating Fatness: everyday words and the softening of body labels; Body shapes, shame, and the making of 'unhealthy' bodies; and Making Sense of Measurement: Receiving, Interpreting and Negotiating Medical Labels. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights that children actively interpret and negotiate weight-related messages, drawing on emotional, social, and cultural frames rather than biomedical ones. Clinical encounters can heighten body awareness and stigma. Clinical practice should prioritise non-stigmatising communication, value children's perspectives, and adopt approaches that support wellbeing during growth and identity development.
body awareness · Body image · body mapping · body shame · Body shape · Child Well-Being · Childhood obesity · childhood overweight · children's perspectives · Weight stigma · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Obesity and Health Practices · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
Body Image
The Obesity Epidemic
Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents With Obesity
Is thematic analysis used well in health psychology? A critical review of published research, with recommendations for quality practice and reporting
Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (Coreq)
Children’s, Parents’ and Healthcare Professionals’ Preferences for Weight-Based Terminology in Health Care
A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis
Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis
It’s Not Healthy to Be Too Large”—A Qualitative Study Using Participatory Methods to Explore Children’s and Adolescents’ Perspectives on Obesity Treatment and Body Image
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Validation of self-reported figural drawing scales against anthropometric measurements in adults
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Patterns of BMI development between 10 and 42 years of age and their determinants in the 1970 British Cohort Study
Body mass index is just a number
Obesity Stigma
Young teenagers' perceptions of their own and others' bodies
The Dys-Appearing Fat Body
Not 'putting a name to it
Obesity in question
| Highly cited | No |
|---|