Associations between weight self‐stigma and healthy diet and physical activity among adults with type 2 diabetes: Cross‐sectional results from the second Diabetes MILES – Australia (MILES‐2) study
Authors' conclusion
This study provides novel evidence of negative associations between weight self-stigma and self-care behaviours among adults with type 2 diabetes. Weight self-stigma is a demonstrated barrier to self-care behaviours in type 2 diabetes cohorts. Acknowledgement and strategies to address weight self-stigma are needed in clinical care and health programmes.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with T2D who considered themselves overweight and reported concern about weight management; Diabetes MILES-2, Australia48% insulin-treated
- Participants
- 726 adults
- Exposure
- Insulin-treated vs Non-insulin
- Outcome
- Association of greater weight self-stigma (Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) total) with self-care
Methodological detailsonline survey, adjusted linear regression, analysed separately by insulin treatment status
- Online survey
- Adjusted linear regression
- Analysed separately by insulin treatment status
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Less optimal dietary self-care (both groups)
β = −0.3
p < 0.001
Lower level of exercise (non-insulin only)
β = −0.2
p < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Hypothesised moderators (self-esteem, diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes social support) vs weight self-stigma
- All moderators negatively associated with weight self-stigma
- range r = −0.2 to r = −0.5
Hypothesised moderators vs self-care behaviours
- Positive associations; strongest between diet and diabetes self-efficacy
- r = > 0.5
Interaction (moderation) effects
- No significant interaction effects were observed
Original publication
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