The Value and Impact of Weight Reduction from the Perspective of People in Canada with Type 2 Diabetes.

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are major contributing factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we explored the perspectives of people with T2D on the value and expected impacts of reaching a lower weight.

Methods: Adult residents of Canada with T2D completed a cross-sectional survey informed by qualitative interviews. Survey questions explored weight management experiences, T2D and weight impacts on quality of life, and the value of losing 5%, 10%, or 20% body weight. Results were summarized descriptively.

Results: Of 358 participants, 56% were male and 81% were white, with a mean age of 59 years (SD 13) and a mean self-reported body mass index of 32.9 kg/m² (SD 7.9); 44% of participants had a current hemoglobin A1C < 7%. T2D negatively affected quality of life, particularly impacting emotional well-being (50%), other illnesses (48%), and sleep (49%). Most participants believed their weight affected their T2D (85%), felt they needed to lose weight (89%), struggled to lose weight (79%), and deemed weight management to be crucial for T2D management (94%). Participants' average "dream" weight loss was a 19% reduction. Most participants anticipated losing 5%, 10%, or 20% body weight would significantly improve their future with T2D (64%, 75%, or 71%) and overall health (79%, 85%, and 90%), and would have a positive impact (70%, 78%, or 71%), particularly on appearance, comorbidities, and emotional well-being.

Conclusion: Participants with T2D valued weight loss and anticipated improvements to their health and quality of life with greater perceived value and impacts associated with increased weight reductions.