CULTURE CIRCLE IN THE PROBLEMATIZATION OF OBESITY IN RURAL ENVIRONMENTS: EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a multifactorial disease, including the environment, which can be obesogenic, psychosocial factors, and genetic variations. The high rate of sedentary behavior and increased body weight are striking features in rural areas, often related to local lifestyle and culture, as well as access to healthcare. Objective: To report the experience of master's students and health professionals participating in the culture circle on the topic of obesity. Methodology: This experience report is based on the experience of a culture circle and the construction of reflective trees on the topic of obesity among master's students in the Graduate Program in Health and Rurality. Results: The Culture Circle is a democratic pedagogical method that requires critical thinking. Through guiding questions, the students constructed a tree through problematization and practice, incorporating concepts such as excess energy consumption, physical and psychosocial illness, rural food culture, difficulty in adhering to treatment, and the support of obese patients by the multidisciplinary health team, as well as discussions on public policies. Final considerations: The Culture Circle proved to be a powerful tool for debate and learning. It was identified that the topic needs to be discussed to demystify it, especially among health professionals, in addition to the need for effective public policies providing psychosocial support for this population.