Researchers discovered that asking people with obesity to draw pictures and discuss them is a helpful way to understand their emotional experiences and challenges. In this small study of 12 participants, drawing revealed feelings of shame, sadness, and avoidance that people don’t usually share in regular doctor visits. The study suggests that creative activities like drawing could become a valuable tool in healthcare to help patients feel heard and understood, potentially improving their emotional wellbeing and how they view themselves.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether drawing and group discussions could help doctors better understand how people with obesity feel about their weight and the social judgment they face
  • Who participated: 12 adults (mostly women, average age 57) who live with obesity participated in a 2-hour workshop where they answered questions about their health and created drawings
  • Key finding: Drawing revealed important emotional experiences—including feelings of shame, sadness, and avoidance—that patients might not share in typical doctor appointments. The drawings also showed that many people wanted support and were thinking about making changes
  • What it means for you: If you struggle with weight-related shame or emotional challenges, creative approaches like drawing in a supportive group setting might help you express feelings you find hard to talk about. This could lead to better emotional support from healthcare providers, though this is still a new approach being tested

The Research Details

This was a small pilot study—meaning it’s a first test of a new idea—with 12 people who have obesity. Participants attended a 2-hour workshop where they first answered questions about how they perceive their weight and health. Then they were asked to create drawings about their experiences. After drawing, they discussed their artwork in a group setting. The researchers recorded and analyzed both the drawings and what people said during discussions, looking for common themes and patterns.

The study combined two types of data collection: numbers (like how many people felt their weight was a serious threat) and stories (what people shared about their feelings and experiences). This mixed approach helps researchers understand both the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ behind people’s experiences.

Traditional doctor visits often focus on medical facts and measurements, but they may miss important emotional and social struggles that affect a person’s health. By using drawing—a non-verbal way to express feelings—researchers could access experiences that people might feel too embarrassed or uncomfortable to discuss directly. This approach is important because emotional wellbeing significantly impacts physical health outcomes

This is a small pilot study, which means the results are preliminary and shouldn’t be considered definitive. The small group size (12 people) means findings may not apply to everyone with obesity. However, the study used established research methods and included both structured questionnaires and careful analysis of discussions. The fact that it was published in a peer-reviewed medical journal suggests it met quality standards, though larger studies would be needed to confirm these findings

What the Results Show

The drawings revealed nine different themes that fell into four main categories. The most common themes were about how obesity impacts daily life (64% of discussions) and thoughts about making changes (22% of discussions). Participants expressed a range of emotions in their drawings, including sadness, shame from social judgment, and positive feelings about themselves. Interestingly, 45% of participants said they didn’t see their weight as a serious health threat, even though obesity is medically associated with health risks.

The group discussions showed that people had very different experiences and perspectives on their weight. Some focused on physical limitations, while others emphasized emotional pain from being judged by society. The drawings often showed things that people didn’t mention when speaking, suggesting that the creative activity helped them express deeper feelings. Participants also discussed coping strategies—ways they tried to manage the emotional burden of weight-related stigma, such as avoiding social situations or withdrawing from others.

The study found that emotional, social, and psychological factors related to obesity change over time and are deeply personal to each individual. The group setting itself appeared beneficial, as participants seemed to feel supported by hearing others’ similar experiences. Some drawings included symbols of hope and desire for change, suggesting that people living with obesity often want to improve their situation but may face emotional barriers. The researchers noted that sometimes what people drew didn’t match exactly what they said in words, indicating that drawing accesses different types of understanding

Previous research has shown that stigma and emotional challenges significantly impact people with obesity, but most studies rely on interviews or questionnaires. This study adds to existing knowledge by showing that creative methods like drawing may reveal emotional experiences that traditional methods miss. The finding that many participants didn’t perceive their weight as threatening aligns with previous research showing that people’s personal perception of health risk doesn’t always match medical reality

The biggest limitation is the very small sample size (only 12 people), which means results may not apply to larger, more diverse populations. The group was mostly women (82%), so findings may not represent men’s experiences equally. This was a one-time workshop, so researchers couldn’t track whether the drawing activity had lasting effects on how people felt about themselves. The study doesn’t compare drawing to other therapeutic methods, so we can’t say it’s better than other approaches. Finally, because this is a pilot study, it’s meant to test whether the method works, not to prove definitive results

The Bottom Line

Healthcare providers may consider using drawing and group discussions as a supplementary tool (alongside traditional care) to help patients with obesity express emotional experiences and feel more understood. This appears promising but should not replace standard medical care. Confidence level: Low to Moderate (this is a small pilot study, so more research is needed)

This research is relevant for people with obesity who struggle with shame or emotional challenges related to their weight, healthcare providers treating obesity, mental health professionals, and researchers studying obesity care. People seeking weight loss should understand that emotional and social factors are important parts of the picture. This approach may be less relevant for those who prefer traditional one-on-one counseling over group activities

This study looked at a single 2-hour workshop, so it doesn’t show how long benefits might last. People might feel immediate relief from being heard and understood, but lasting changes in self-perception would likely require ongoing support over weeks or months

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users could track emotional wellbeing weekly using a simple mood scale (1-10) alongside weight-related experiences. They could also note instances when they felt judged or avoided social situations, then track whether these decrease over time with supportive interventions
  • The app could prompt users to create simple digital drawings or collages expressing how they feel about their weight journey, then review these periodically to notice emotional patterns and growth. Users could also participate in moderated group discussions or journaling prompts that encourage expressing feelings beyond just physical symptoms
  • Track emotional indicators (mood, confidence, social engagement) separately from physical metrics. Create monthly reflection prompts asking users to describe their emotional experience with their weight, similar to the drawing activity. Monitor whether users report feeling more understood and supported over time

This is a small pilot study with 12 participants and should not be considered definitive medical advice. Drawing and group discussions should complement, not replace, professional medical care and mental health treatment for obesity. If you’re struggling with weight-related emotional challenges, depression, or anxiety, please consult with your healthcare provider or mental health professional. Results from this study may not apply to all people with obesity, and individual experiences vary significantly. Always discuss new approaches to health with your doctor before implementing them