Journal of Obesity & Weight Loss Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates than more than 1 billion people are overweight, with 300 million meeting the criteria for obesity. More women than men are obese and obesity negatively impacts the mental health of women in several ways. Women they are at a higher risk of having psychological problems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 ( age range: 30-40 years; marital status: married) purposively selected women who are obese. Data were analyzed using Thematic content analysis. The result of this study indicated that most women were suffering from depression, low self-esteem, worthlessness, emotional strain and they felt unattractive. Participants were found to be physically inactive and did not feel like socializing at all. They also felt betrayed by their husbands who were engaged in extra-marital affairs with women who were physically healthy. It is therefore recommended that support groups for these women be established to offer them an opportunity to share their experiences, feelings and dietary practices and physical exercises or activities. Keywords: Psychological effects, obesity, physical activities, women

Biography

Mrs Mercy Mushwana is a Lecturer at the University of Venda in the department of Psychology. She is currently pursuing her Doctoral studies on the psychological adjustment and suicide ideation of offenders in long-term incarcerated sentences in Matatshe Correctional Services in South Africa. She holds a Master Degree in Research Psychology from the University of Venda. Before joining the University, Mrs Mushwana worked at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) as a SAHARA Journal Manager from 2005-2011. Her main area of research interest is on mental health. In particular, her research has focused on psychological effects of Obesity, intimate partner violence, single parenthood, male circumcision. She has participated as a co-author on various publications and abstracts presented at National and International conferences, and four book reviews.

Email: mercy.mushwana@univen.ac.za