This study had the objective of acquiring knowledge of obese adolescents'perception related to their bodies when placed before a mirror and the impact of such perception in their social life. We used a qualitative approach; data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data collection was focused on 14 obese adolescents aged between 10 and 13 years old who participated of the "Multidisciplinary Assistance Program for Obese Adolescents" in the year of 2002. Data analysis consisted in disclosing adolescents statements, with two nuclei being identified: "The relationship between the obese body and the mirror", "The influence in social life". We concluded that obese adolescents had conflicting feelings related to their bodies with an unmistakable fear of looking at themselves on the mirror due to body dissatisfaction and rejection; in addition they experienced stigmatizing facts which reflected negatively in their social relations.
Obesity; Teen health; Self concept