EXPLORATORY STUDY INTO THE BELIEFS, ATTITUDES AND WEIGHT PERCEPTION WOMEN HOLD REGARDING OBESITY

Abstract

There is adequate research within the field of obesity; however there is little research on how women of specific ages react to the obese. Additionally there is limited research on how much women of specific ages understand about obesity. Therefore previous obesity research is limited within the female population and also in terms of specific age categories. The aim of this study is to explore these differences that might occur within specific aged women in terms of their attitudes, beliefs and perception regarding obesity. The study sample consisted of 60 female participants within four specific age categories: 20-25, 30-35, 40-45 and 50-55. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of three sections. Firstly attitudes, which were measured using the Bray Obesity Attitude Scale (BATOS), secondly weight perception, measured by Figure Rating Images and lastly beliefs, measured by a Likert style questionnaire. Significant differences were found in terms of attitudes when comparing different age categories specifically between 20-25 and 40-45 ages’ attitudes (p<0.05). Weight perception discrepancies were demonstrated but no overall significant difference was reported between age categories (p>0.05). Total agreement on overweight image was reported by all age categories. In terms of obesity beliefs within women of different age categories, no significant differences were found (p>0.05). Consistency was found in terms of women’s beliefs across all ages, as positive beliefs were demonstrated. This study highlighted that further exploration is needed to clarify whether age influences, attitudes, weight perception and beliefs, specifically within women.