Original scientific paper
Body Image Among Older, Rural, African-American Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Leslie Sue Lieberman
Claudia K. Probart
Nancy E. Schoenberg
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes and obesity co-occur in high prevalence among African-American
women. The positive value placed on large body size has both historic and contemporary
biosocial relevance. The maintenance of weight at medically recommended levels is a
cornerstone of both prevention and treatment of Type 2 diabetes. This study of overweight,
elderly, rural African-American women with Type 2 diabetes found they generally
preferred smaller body sizes compared to previous studies. Normal to slim body images
as presented in a photographic array were selected as being more attractive, less
likely to have diabetes and hypertension, healthier and to be more medically compliant
than obese, grossly obese or very thin images. Body image is a psychosocial variable that
should be included in weight control initiatives.
Keywords
body size; aging; diabetes; prevention
Hrčak ID:
28086
URI
Publication date:
16.6.2003.
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