Obesity is related to different factors such as emotional, socioeconomic, and dietary, thus, knowledge of food choices and emotional perception enables means of prevention and treatment. Thus, by analyzing food choices and emotional perception among obese and non-obese individuals. Cross-sectional study conducted with 50 obese and 49 non-obese individuals, seen at the Public Health Network in Santa Catarina, from February 2017 to March 2018. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire. Food choices were assessed using the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) and emotional perception by the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). The obese presented lower income and education, higher prevalence of chronic diseases. About 98% of these are dissatisfied with their silhouette, while the non-obese 73.5%. Regarding food choices, the morbidly obese give preference to cheaper foods, without caring about calories and health, valuing the act of eating to feel happy. From the data obtained in the IAPS the valence was consistent in both groups, but the impacted was much greater. The way obese people face situations is exacerbated when compared to non-obese people, affecting their food choices, choosing foods that provide well-being rather than nutrients and minerals, even when most of them claim to be dissatisfied with their bodies. Besides choosing cheap foods, with a pleasant texture and that help them to manage situations imposed by life.