Body size and body shape: Perceptions of black women with diabetes

PURPOSE this qualitative study was conducted to explore perceptions of body size an d shape in a group of black women with Type 2 diabetes. METHODS Thirty-three black women with Type 2 diabetes participated in one of three focus groups to discuss perceptions about body size and body shape, Transcr iptions of the discussion were analyzed for themes of participants percepti ons about their bodies, their ideas about body size and body shape, and per sonal and environmental influences on their preferences about size and shap e. RESULTS Participants preferred a middle-to-small body size but indicated that a mid dle-to-large body size was healthier. They also said that a large body sire did result in some untoward social consequences. Participants preferred a pear-shaped body (a figure without abdominal adiposity). The three major in fluences on body image perceptions were children, parents, and the media. CONCLUSIONS With these findings in mind diabetes education programs that are geared for black women may benefit from the inclusion of Key family members. Addition ally, the importance of body image perceptions should be recognized in the design and implementation of weight-related diabetes education programs.