Blogging in the Fatosphere: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions of Personal Risks and Benefits for Women who Blog about Weight, Weight Loss, and Dieting Issues

• Main Author: Sneed, Melissa Marie
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University 2012
• Subjects: weight loss; women; social support; diet; blogging; Gender and Sexuality; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Sociology
• Online Access: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1495; https://dc.etsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2688&context=etd

This study examines the perceptions of the personal risks and benefits of women who blog about weight, weight loss, and dieting issues. Many overweight women use blogs as a tool during their weight loss journeys to garner support. The experiences of 5 women who blog about weight and dieting issues were collected through 45 minute in-depth interviews. The author's own experiences with blogging is analyzed as well. A qualitative approach was taken when analyzing the data. Eight emergent themes came from the research data. The benefits of this study are significant for current and future research regarding the influence of blogs and vlogs in shaping the perceptions and experiences of women who identify as overweight.