Experiences and perceptions of body weight among Turkish immigrant women in Norway. Issue 1 (12th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rieger, Erin Yildirim; Terragni, Laura; Czapka, Elzbieta Anna
• Is Part Of: International journal of migration, health and social care. Volume 17:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 92
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2021-02-12
• Subjects: Norway -- Qualitative -- Body weight -- Cross cultural women's body ideals -- Turkish migration; Emigration and immigration -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Social work with immigrants -- Periodicals; Immigrants -- Services for -- Periodicals; Immigrants -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Refugees -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 362.87
• DOI: 10.1108/IJMHSC-08-2020-0077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-9894

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore beliefs and experiences of Turkish immigrant women in Norway related to body weight, nutrition and exercise practices. Design/methodology/approach: This study has a qualitative research design. Ten semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with a purposive sample of Turkish immigrant women residing in Oslo, Norway. Themes were identified in the transcripts using systematic text condensation. Findings: Participants viewed Turkish women as more commonly overweight or obese compared to Norwegian women. Weight was discussed openly among Turkish women and a preference to lose weight, both as individuals and among community members more broadly, also emerged. For participants, this represented a generational shift. Participants identified their barriers to weight loss, including norms around socialization and food in their community and exercise and eating practices during the long Nordic winter. Practical implications: Participants expressed a tension between concern about health impacts of overweight and obesity and the desire to uphold cultural practices around food. Weight-related health-care initiatives for Turkish immigrant women can take into account such experiences shaped by their interaction with multiple cultures. Originality/value: Participants emphasized that perspectives about weight in their Turkish immigrant community were influenced by the transition toward thin weight ideals in Turkey. Self-image regarding weight was also situated within the context of being immigrants in Norway.