1436/2009 - The use of apetite inhibitors by women: A glimpse through the gender perspective
O Uso de inibidores de apetite por mulheres: Um olhar a partir da perspectiva de Gênero
Publicado
Author:
• CRISTIANE MAGALHÃES DE MELO - Melo, C.M. - VIÇOSA, MINAS GERAIS - DEPARTAMENTO DE SAÚDE COLETIVA, SECRETARIA MUNICIPAL DE SAÚDE DE VIÇOSA – MG - <cristianeufv@yahoo.com.br>Thematic Area:
Não CategorizadoAbstract:
The aim of this study was to understand the motives that led adult women to use apetite inhibitors and to unveil, from a gender perspective, how these women related to their own bodies. It was guided by the principles of qualitative research and the methods of data collection were semi-structured interviews and participant observation. The informants were six women who used apetite inhibitors. The results indicated that images, publicity and social networks significantly contribute to create new patterns of physical appearance as well as life styles, which establish the thin body and a happy marriage the standard life goals. The thin body is represented as something able to alter the human condition, or in other words a fat person equals an unhappy person and a thin person equals a happy person. The study shows that it is in the body as a locus that the social role destined for women is produced and reproduced.Key words: body, gender, appetite suppressants, femininity
