Title

Perceived body image among African Americans with type 2 diabetes

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Title

Patient Education and Counseling

Publication Date

2006

Date Added

2022-07-12

Abstract

Objective To assess current, desired and best body image in the opposite sex and examine correlates of body image dissatisfaction. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis at baseline of 185 (141 women, 44 men) African Americans with type 2 diabetes in Project Sugar 1, a randomized controlled trial of primary care-based interventions to improve diabetic control. Results Women had a significantly lower desired body image compared to their current body image (BMI ∼ 27.7 versus ∼35.3). Men preferred a body image for women that was similar to the body image that women desired for themselves (BMI ∼ 28.3 versus ∼27.7). Significant correlates of body image dissatisfaction included self-perception of being overweight and attempting weight-loss (P < 0.05). Practical implications Among overweight and obese African–American women with diabetes, it is important to first address an individual's perceived body image, perceived risk of disease, desired body image, and weight-loss perceptions. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of weight-loss, there is a need to focus on the health benefits in order to intervene among African Americans with diabetes.

DOI

10.1016/j.pec.2005.01.004

Keywords

Health

Disciplines

Public Health

Comments/Extra Notes

Additional author: Brancati, Frederick L.

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