A Qualitative Study of the Day-to-Day Lives of Obese Mexican-American Adolescent Females

Abstract

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Obesity is a growing concern for Mexican-American adolescents, with both behavioral and cultural variables that are related to the increasing trend. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS:These results highlight a patientcentered view of the emotional and physical burden of obesity in female Mexican-American adolescents, the families' personal struggles with weight-related conditions, and the challenge of balancing family needs with those specific to the adolescent. abstract OBJECTIVE: In an effort to develop more effective weight-loss interventions, this study examined the daily experiences and personal struggles of Mexican-American adolescent females with morbid obesity.METHODS: Twenty self-identified, morbidly obese Mexican-American adolescent females and their families were interviewed about their food choices, personal and family barriers to weight loss, sources of support, previous weight-loss experience, and weight-related beliefs. Qualitative responses were coded by using framework analysis. RESULTS:Four themes emerged from the adolescent and family responses: the impact of normal adolescent development, multiple sources of excess calories, the physical and emotional burden of excess weight for the adolescent, and the magnitude of the family' s personal struggle with weight management. Multiple subthemes were also identified. CONCLUSIONS:Responses by the adolescents and their families highlighted the intersection of adolescence and Mexican-American culture and the daily challenges of obesity. Recommendations for providers include incorporating knowledge of adolescent development and culturally sensitive care into treatment recommendations. Pediatrics

Barriers and Facilitators of Pediatric Weight Management Among Diverse Families

“…17 Culture may also interact with the pressures of normal development to determine day-to-day lifestyle choices in minority youth. 18 Cultural norms change with both acculturation and globalization; however, these changes may differ by ethnic groups. For example, fruit and vegetable consumption is maintained in acculturated Asians but declines sharply among Latinos.…”

The Social and Emotional Lives of Overweight, Obese, and Severely Obese Children

“…Yet children with severe obesity have not been the focus of much research, especially research examining socioemotional correlates of obesity. Two exceptions are a study of ninety‐six 8‐ to 17‐year‐olds with severe obesity whose self‐reported victimization was related to loneliness and depression (Lim et al., ) and a qualitative study of 20 severely obese Mexican‐American female adolescents who reported problems with peer relations, including self‐isolation (Taylor et al., ).…”

Factors Influencing Healthy Lifestyle Changes: A Qualitative Look at Low-Income Families Engaged in Treatment for Overweight Children

“…[15][16][17] The few qualitative studies that have incorporated low-income families with an obese or overweight child have focused on barriers to making healthy lifestyle changes. 18,19 Yet few qualitative studies to date have identified factors that participants perceive facilitate the successful implementation of lifestyle changes.…”