How do Obese Women Cope with Social Stigma? A Phenomenological Study

Background: the findings of many studies confirm that obesityincludes social stigma. stigma involves several stereotypes thathave negative psychosocial effects. the goal of this study wasto evaluate the experience of social stigma in obese women withemphasis on their coping strategies.methods: after the interview was done in the department with24 sleeve female candidate, their narratives were analyzed usingdescriptive phenomenological approach.results: results showed that obese women had undesirableexperiences of social stigma. nevertheless, they used copingstrategies to adapt with new conditions. the main strategiesrevealed include social resistance; passivity; psychologicalproblems and hysteria; extreme denial of self body image; socialisolation; and ignorance of what others say (self empowerment).conclusion: social stigma of obesity affects the obese womennegatively. although obese women use several strategies tocope, with huge social and personal costs are imposed on them.to reduce these costs, policy-makers should pay attention todesensitization of obesity in society with emphasis on women.to this end, they can use media instruments on the one hand andmake the cultural context and infrastructures such as school anduniversities on the other.