“I thought I was normal” children’s understanding of overweight and obesity: a qualitative study in chile.

Publication date: Dec 31, 2026

Childhood overweight and obesity are prevalent in Chile and globally. Health care responses typically emphasise biomedical and risk-focused approaches, with limited attention to children’s own perspectives. This study explored how children clinically classified as overweight or obese understand health, growth and weight within health contexts. Participants were recruited from primary care clinics in two municipalities in Santiago, Chile. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 18 children aged 10-12 years during COVID-19 restrictions, incorporating visual tools such as body silhouettes and body mapping to facilitate discussion. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Three major themes were identified: Translating Fatness: everyday words and the softening of body labels; Body shapes, shame, and the making of ‘unhealthy’ bodies; and Making Sense of Measurement: Receiving, Interpreting and Negotiating Medical Labels. The study highlights that children actively interpret and negotiate weight-related messages, drawing on emotional, social, and cultural frames rather than biomedical ones. Clinical encounters can heighten body awareness and stigma. Clinical practice should prioritise non-stigmatising communication, value children’s perspectives, and adopt approaches that support wellbeing during growth and identity development.

Semantics

Original Article