Taylor & Francis (Routledge), Health Care for Women International, 2(33), p. 182-197
DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2011.630115
Full text: Download
In this grounded theory study we used semistructured interviews to explore how 16 low-income uninsured Midwestern United States women who were overweight or obese felt about their condition. Using grounded theory, we identified a central problem-overwhelming conditions exemplified by numerous stressors in the lives of the participants. Despite these overwhelming conditions, the participants identified numerous restorative health behaviors in five dimensions: health, economics, environment, knowledge, and commitment. Health care providers should be cognizant of their patients' complex lives and support them in identifying, adopting, and maintaining health-restoring behaviors that work for them.