About two-thirds (69%) of American adults are overweight or obese (Ogden et al., 2006) and have negative experiences including discrimination, bullying or teasing, and social isolation (Thomas et al., 2007). This causes self-consciousness and body dissatisfaction (Sarwer, Thompson, & Cash, 2005).
The majority (95%) of college students surveyed reported unhealthy eating habits (Brunt et al., 2008), and half of college students do not meet physical activity recommendations (Keating et al., 2005). About two-thirds (66%) of college students surveyed at a southwestern regional university were also overweight or obese (Oh, Boss, & Lopez, 2014). However, there is lack of research on the psychological issues they experience. This qualitative study explores these overweight and obese college students’ experiences of obesity.
Method:
Overweight and obese university students (BMI 25 or higher) from a southwestern regional university were recruited for in-depth qualitative interviews. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in a private room during the academic year 2013-14. A team of trained qualitative researchers used conversational interviews to discuss the students’ experiences for 45-60 minutes. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed.
Analysis/Results:
Data analysis used qualitative emergent themes and categorization. Researchers analyzed the data at team meetings for triangulation and validation. Nineteen overweight or obese university students (female=11 and male=8) participated in the study. Sixty-three percent (12 out of 19) were obese and the remainder were overweight. Eleven out of nineteen (57%) participants were self-conscious about their body, and half were having trouble finding clothes that fit. Seventy-three percent (14 out of 19) did not meet the physical activity guidelines for Americans (CDC, 2008). Time and motivation were barriers for physical activity. Seventy-three percent (14 out of 19) reported eating unhealthy foods. Lack of time and convenience were barriers to eat healthier. About ninety-percent (17 out of 19) tried to lose weight. Half (56%) have tried to lose weight by only controlling their diet. They showed a lack of knowledge on how to make healthy food choices.
Conclusions:
The preliminary results support the previous literature on psychological issues (Sarwer, Thompson, & Cash, 2005), lack of daily physical activities (Keating et al., 2005), and lack of a healthy diet (Brunt et al., 2008). This suggests that health promotion is needed for college students that can foster healthy lifestyles.