GORDOFOBIA NA PERCEPÇÃO DE ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS DA ÁREA DA SAÚDE

Abstract

Introduction: Fatphobia refers to discrimination and stigmatization of overweight people. It is common for individuals to suffer this type of prejudice from health professionals, so academic training can play an important role in this dynamic, as prejudice can be perpetuated if there is no critical reflection on the subject during graduation; Objectives: To investigate the perception of university students in the health area about fatphobia; Methods: Study with a qualitative approach, in the form of Focus Group, carried out with undergraduate students in Nutrition, Medicine, Psychology and Physical Education at a Higher Education Institution in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Data collection took place through interviews, based on a semi-structured script, and submitted to content analysis, in the thematic modality; Results: Four thematic categories emerged: 1. Perceptions about fatphobia; 2. Gordophobia and social media; 3. Addressing fatphobia among health professions and 4. Inclusion of fatphobia in academic training. The predominant understanding of fatphobia was a form of behavior that excludes and differentiates people who are overweight or who do not meet a certain body standard. Excess weight was understood as a disease that requires treatments, which are based on humanization and acceptance, understanding the individual in a unique way and not just as a carrier of a health problem. Conclusions: Recognizing fatphobia as a theme that cuts across all professional areas of health and the inclusion of specific content on the subject in academic training were understood as possible ways to combat fatphobia and promote the appreciation of body diversity and an inclusive approach to weight in the healthcare.