Abstract
AIMS: To understand the importance and potential impacts of reaching a lower weight or body mass index (BMI) from the perspectives of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) across BMI levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, informed by qualitative interviews, was administered to a sample representative of the US T2D population by BMI. The survey asked about experience and perceptions of weight management, the impact of T2D on quality of life (QoL), and the value of 5%, 10%, and 20% weight reductions. Results were summarised descriptively. RESULTS: Among 388 participants (54% male; 10% Hispanic; 90% White; mean age 61 years [SD: 13]; mean self-reported BMI 32.7 kg/m(2) [SD: 8.4]), 47% had a current haemoglobin A1c <7%. T2D affected QoL with impacts on comorbidities (39%), health complications (29%), emotional well-being (29%), and daily activities (28%). Most reported that the impact of weight on T2D was an issue (89%), they needed to lose weight (87%), and they struggled to lose weight (76%). Nearly all felt weight management was important to managing their T2D (93%), and 5%/10%/20% weight reductions would positively impact their perception of their future with T2D (60%/74%/69%, respectively). The majority felt 5%/10%/20% weight reductions would have positive impacts (72%/79%/70%, respectively), specifically on their appearance (70%/81%/83%, respectively), comorbidities (59%/72%/80%, respectively), and emotional well-being (51%/58%/66%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: People with T2D, across BMI categories, place considerable value on the opportunity for weight reduction yet endure considerable challenges in doing so through lifestyle interventions, even when weight reduction is discussed with their healthcare provider.