Perceived body image among African Americans with type 2 diabetes

Kesha Baptiste-Roberts, Tiffany L. Gary, Lee R. Bone, Martha N. Hill, Frederick L. Brancati

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)194-200
Number of pages7
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume60
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2006

Keywords

  • African-Americans
  • Body image
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Urban

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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