Emic perspectives of body weight in overweight and obese white women with limited income.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of body weight from emic perspectives of limited-income overweight and obese white women.

Design: In-depth individual interviews, including the use of contour drawings and body dissatisfaction parameters.

Setting: All methods were conducted in the homes of the research participants.

Participants: A purposeful sample of limited-income white women (N=25), ages 19 to 44 years.

Phenomena Of Interest: Personal perceptions of attractiveness, health, body weight, and body dissatisfaction.

Analysis: Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Triangulation of data was achieved by comparing data elicited by different methods in different sections of the interview.

Results: Disordered eating habits were common and considered consequences of social, economic, and familial pressures. Food was often used as a means of coping with life pressures. Social and economic barriers were identified as impeding the adoption of more healthful lifestyles. Weight loss was a low priority owing to financial, emotional, familial, and health care constraints.

Conclusions And Implications: Multidisciplinary programs addressing financial, emotional, and nutritional concerns may be the most effective for weight management among white limited-income women. Additional research is necessary to verify the results of this study with larger samples.