Methodological concept analysis Role of Fear of Fattening, definition for use in research and clinical practice

Obesity will continue to be a public health problem at an international level, along with this condition there are phenomena such as the Role of Fear of Gaining Weight; however, there is no consensus on its definition. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the definition of the concept Role of Fear of Gaining Weight; as well as its attributes, which was methodologically executed under the knowledge of Walker and Avant. Based on the analysis, the concept was defined as a behavior of an individual involved in a situation or activity for the maintenance of optimal body weight that can be accompanied by the feeling of anxiety/terror of gaining weight as a risky emotional aspect with which one can start, maintain or continue with positive or negative behavioral modifications in the lifestyle such as practicing physical activity and carrying out a diet that is beneficial for health. It is concluded that the concept analyzed with its definition can potentially be used in nursing research and practice, its use will allow over time greater clarity, refinement in its defining content, greater applicability and usability.