The aim of this study was to assess self-image in 30 morbid obese women compared to 30 non obese women. Individual evaluation was carried out using the Draw a Person Test and a interview. Regarding general aspects of the drawing the groups differed significantly in quality of graphism, location in the page and theme indexes, indicating prevalence of feelings of enadequacy in the obese group. With regard to size of drawing, proportion, trunk representation and different body parts size indexes, the groups differed significantly, suggesting depreciation and distortion of body image in the obese group. It was observed that obese women had difficulty in expressing way their corporal existence, in a symbolic suggesting inferiority feelings, discontent and worry about body and beauty.
Body image; draw a person test; women; obesity
