A Qualitative Investigation of Obese Men's Experiences With Their Weight

Author: Lewis Sophie   Thomas Samantha L.   Hyde Jim   Castle David J.   Komesaroff Paul A.  

Publisher: PNG Publications

ISSN: 1945-7359

Source: American Journal of Health Behavior, Vol.35, Iss.4, 2011-07, pp. : 458-469

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate obese men's health behaviors and strategies for change. Methods: Qualitative interviews with 36 men (BMI 30 and over). Results: All men felt personally responsible for their weight gain. Sedentary lifestyles, stress, lack of worklife balance and weight-based stigma were all significant causes of weight gain and barriers to weight loss. These factors also contributed to men's unwillingness to seek help for their over-weight. Conclusion: Addressing the self-blame and stigma associated with obesity is important in developing strategies to improve the health and well-being of obese men.