Body image and physical activity among overweight and obese girls in Taiwan

This study examined the physical activity, attitudes toward obesity and ideal body images of overweight/obese girls from Taiwan. Thirteen overweight/obese girls aged 13 to 16 were interviewed. The method of data interpretation was based on the Consensual Qualitative Research approach. Data were classified into 6 domains (12 sub-domains) and 31 categories. The main domains included experience of physical activity, experience of their body, ideal body image, attitude toward obesity, popularity of thinness, and weight loss behavior. Results indicated that body image plays a dominant role in the development of overweight/obese girls' motives and barriers toward physical activity engagement. Weight-related teasing is evidenced and fosters idealisation of thinness and a desire to lose weight.