AN EVALUATION OF THE OBESITY PHENOMENON IN THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL WORK THEORIES

Abstract

Obesity is a disease that negatively affects millions of people worldwide. This disease, which causes many people to experience physical, psychological, emotional, social and economic problems in terms of its consequences, is one of the most discussed diseases both in the world and in our country in recent years. Millions of people apply to obesity diagnosis and treatment centers in the world and in our country every year for treatment. It is very important to evaluate this disease, which has various treatment methods, not only from a medical perspective and to understand not only its medical consequences but also its biopsychosocial consequences.
 
 Social work is a profession and discipline that aims to understand the biopsychosocial aspects of problems and diseases and to make a holistic planning, intervention and evaluation with an individual approach in the environment. The phenomenon of obesity is a public health problem where various applications can be made for individuals, families and society experiencing this phenomenon. In this study, it is aimed to make an evaluation of social work theories towards the obesity phenomenon in order to give more space to obesity in the social work profession. Practices in the social work profession are based on theoretical foundations. Some of these theoretical approaches that guide practices are discussed in this review study. These are biopsychosocial approach, ecological approach, system approach and empowerment approach.