STATEMENTS, VISIBILITIES AND KNOWLEDGE-POWER IN A SCIENTIFIC CONTROVERSY ABOUT FOOD AND SEDENTARISM

uma controvérsia sobre alimentos e sedentarismo

Abstract

Sedentary lifestyle or food diet: what would be the main factor in the occurrence and increase in obesity rates? This was the scientific controversy generated by the scientific study conducted by Fundação Getúlio Vargas that indicates that the lack of physical activity is the primary cause, along with age and income. Scientific literature in the health sector indicates that a diet that includes the consumption of ultra-processed foods is the main cause. Thus, the objective of this article is to examine the statements and visibilities that emerged from this dispute, as well as their ideological relationships. The research question is: how do the actors involved try to appropriate the scientific discourse in their favor and refute their opponent? Foucauldian discourse analysis is the theoretical-methodological support used to undertake the analyses. We obtained as results nine statements on each side of the spectrum, in addition to discursive formations linked to individual or shared responsibility and scientific appropriation.