Objectives: The researchers explored the meaning and essence of obese college women’s family-of-origin
experiences. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with six college women classified as obese
(Body Mass Index [BMI] over 30). The data were analyzed in four steps, following Giorgi’s
phenomenological method. Results: Analysis revealed 5 main categories and 12 subcategories, with themes
relating to dysfunctional family patterns, stressors, lifestyle, and intergenerational transmission.
Conclusions: The results suggest that family therapy approaches can be useful for individuals and families
affected by obesity.