Perceptions of patients with metabolic syndrome regarding their diet during onset of the disease: a qualitative study

Objective This study aimed to investigate the psychological and cultural issues regarding dietary habits and body image during the onset of metabolic syndrome. Methods A clinical, qualitative study was conducted with a sample of nine outpatients being treated for metabolic syndrome at a university teaching hospital in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with open questions and then submitted to content analysis. Interpretation of data was based on a psychodynamic theoretical framework. Results The results were organized empirically into three categories: "Fat people look terrible"; "I am too heavy and my weight bothers me"; and "I eat so little; nobody believes it". The participants in this study revealed their rejection of obesity, reinforced by a culture that exalts thinness. Dissatisfaction with their body image resulted in the patients deflecting the focus of the problem, thereby affecting the development of self-care and management of the treatment for the metabolic disorders that characterize metabolic syndrome. Dissociation between dietary habits and excess weight, as well as the use of food to fill emotional gaps, reflect difficulties in facing conflicts and contribute towards deflecting the focus of the problem. Conclusion Nutritional care and diets proposed for patients with metabolic syndrome should take into consideration emotional demands resulting from dissatisfaction with body image, difficulties in implementing changes in dietary habits and episodes of compulsive overeating.