Challenges of a weight control treatment in Campeche, Mexico. Some considerations from psychoanalysis

Abstract

This contribution aims at showing the challenges faced by patients whose treatment for chronic and degenerative diseases implies weight control. Under a qualitative research approach, guided by psychoanalysis, in-depth interviews were conducted and data analyzed through content analysis. Results seem to indicate that the patients’ challenges have three dimensions: a) a socio-structurally institutional one, b) the therapeutic bond, and c) a psychic-drive correlate. It was concluded that patients attribute their main difficulties to the lack of institutional services and to the therapeutic bond; they do not acknowledge the inconsistencies in weight control within their psychic correlate, nor take responsibility for their treatment or self-care. Moreover, institutional shortcomings limit the treatment reach and contribute to the problem chronification.