Body image among older, rural, African-American women with type 2 diabetes.

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.