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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 194-200 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Patient Education and Counseling |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2006 |
Keywords
- African-Americans
- Body image
- Type 2 diabetes
- Urban
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine