Obesidade sob o olhar antropológico : etnografia online do movimento plus size

Abstract

Obesity prevalence has alarming rates, and it has motivated the World Health Organization to qualify it as epidemic. It is estimated that 51% of the Brazilian population is overweight. Obesity refers to how the body is represented in the society and in health aspects. It is necessary to understand obesity in the social and cultural contexts in which it is inserted. The Plus Size Movement discusses patterns, fashion and health, influencing behaviors and the relationship of obese people with the world. This movement finds its potential on the internet. This qualitative study, based on the online practice of ethnography, aims to analyze the Plus Size Movement from reports available on social networks in an anthropological perspective and to identify the behaviors related to the health and disease processes that compose this Movement. We followed 3 profiles on Instagram that are related to the Plus Size Movement: Blog Mulherão (www.instagram.com/blogmulherao/), Alexandra Gurgel¿s (www.instagram.com/alexandrismos/) and Mariana Xavier¿s (www.instagram.com/marianaxavieroficial/). The results were analyzed in two major features. The first refers to the digital influencers that are responsible for the profiles, and the second relates the posts to the repercussions on social networks among the followers. Referring to digital influencers, three main discussions were observed: 1. Fashion: Indications and tips on where to find clothes and the dissemination of plus size fashion. 2. The daily life of people responsible for the profile, the way they live and face the situations and difficulties are among the most commented subjects, because followers feel represented by the posts and the courage to expose the body that is constantly criticized. 3. Behaviors that influence debates on concepts such as empowerment, fat aversion, health, social constructions and the importance of self-love regardless of their weight. When presenting and describing the repercussions and interactions between the followers of these profiles, the following categories were constituted: health versus disease; bittersweet relationships; I have a whole-body mirror ¿ influence in the lives of the followers; suicide and body. The internet has become an important ally for the discussions about the standards of beauty and its representation, especially in the fat body. These patterns reflect with a greater intensity on the female body