The experience of obesity in older Maltese women

Abstract

The researcher’s aim is to illustrate The Experience of Obesity in Older Maltese Women. A qualitative approach was opted for this study as it explores the participants’ experiences with regards to obesity and how obesity impacts the physical and psychological quality of life. Five female participants, aged 65 or older, with BMI ≥ 30 contributed in semi-structured interviews. Through the findings obtained, one can clearly notice that obesity is quite difficult to deal with at this particular age. Lifestyle restrictions, stigmatization and discrimination, alteration of character and weight management struggles were all issues that participants depicted throughout the interviews. Therefore, when dealing with obese individuals, one should bear in mind that obesity is a difficult state which involves vital psychological and psychosocial components.