Perceived body image among African Americans with type 2 diabetes

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 similar to 27.7 versus similar to 35.3). Men preferred a body image for women that was similar to the body image that women desired for themselves (BMI similar to 28.3 versus similar to 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. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.