Perceived body image among African Americans with type 2 diabetes

ObjectiveTo assess current, desired and best body image in the opposite sex and examine correlates of body image dissatisfaction.MethodsWe 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.ResultsWomen 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 implicationsAmong 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.