A multiple case study of the experiences of obesity among six adult Filipinos

Obesity is rising in prevalence and is a significant public health problem. Based on the 8th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology, there are three out of 10 Filipino adults who are overweight or obese (Sarino & Laparan II, 2015). This study explored the experiences of obesity among six adult Filipinos. Under the lens of the Biopsychosocial Model (Engel, 1997), the study focused on the physical, psychological and social consequences of obesity. It also delved into their coping strategies as well. Using a multiple case study research design, six adult Filipinos, three males and three females were purposively selected based on the set criteria. The data were collected using in-depth interview and was analyzed using thematic content analysis across all cases. The results showed that the experience among adult Filipinos living with obesity condition is multifaceted. Heredity and unhealthy lifestyle were the major factors why the participants gained weight and developed an obesity condition. It was clear that obesity conferred mostly negative consequences on both the physical and the social aspects of human functioning. Furthermore, they were found to be mainly homogenous and displayed more similarities across all cases. On the other hand, the psychological experience of adult Filipinos with obesity condition was found to be both positive and negative, predominantly heterogeneous and displayed more differences across all cases. The coping mechanisms used by adult Filipinos with obesity were mostly adaptive. Overall, the Filipino culture played a major role on the obesity-related experience of the participants. Based on the findings, the physical, the psychological and the social consequences of obesity experienced by Filipinos called for a need of a special psychological intervention