Adolescents' description of the phenomenon of obesity: A Qualitative Research Based on Grounded Theory

Abstract

Obesity, especially in children and adolescents, is one of the most concerning problems in the current age; many studies have been conducted to prevent and adjust its underlying factors. Therefore the objective of the current study was to Adolescents' description of the phenomenon of obesity. The present study was conducted by applying a qualitative method using the grounded theory approach. The participants of the study 20 adolescents (i.e.,10 males and 10 females) suffering from obesity in Shahrekord city by the purposive sampling method. Data were gathered using interviewed using the semi-structured method . The results showed that some of the consequences of obesity such as arousing fear, restrictions, and ridicule have resulted in the adaptation of certain strategies by individuals or their parents to deal with this phenomenon. However, these strategies have not led to the expected results. Therefore, it can be concluded that the role of parents and adolescents in the treatment of obesity is very important. Improving communication between parents and adolescents, as well as stability of adolescents' gait and will power, can help treat obesity faster.

Keywords

• adolescence
• grounded theory
• obesity
• overweight