Factors affecting weight control in patients with type II diabetes mellitus

Fati̇h İlşad Akin, Hamdi Nezih Dağdeviren

Keywords: type 2 diabetes, self esteem, body image, emotional eating

Aim:

Almost %90 of the people with type II diabetes mellitus are either overweight or obese. The aim of the current study is to determine whether the weight control of patients with type II diabetes mellitus who consulted to Trakya University Department of Obesity and Diabetes is affected by self-esteem, body-image perception, emotional eating, dietary habits and sociodemographic variables.

Method:

233 patients with type II diabetes mellitus for at least 1 year are included in the sample. The participating patients responded to a total of 105 questions and items, including the questions developed by the researcher and questions related to the body image and completed the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Emotional Eating Scale in addition to the anthropometric measurements.

Results:

116 females (49.79%) and 117 males (50.21%) with type 2 diabetes participated in the study. The mean scores for the Emotional Eating Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were 9.754.37 and 1.86±1.12, respectively. There was a significance difference between the body mass index and body image of the patients (p<0.001). 88 of the patients (37.7%) had the accurate body weight perception. Satisfaction with physical appearance was significantly related to body mass index (p<0,001). Those who are not satisfied with their appearance have higher rate of low self-esteem (p=0,037). Obesity was higher in women than men (p<0,001). The subdimension of the Emotional Eating Scale, which suggests that women are more likely to feel guilty (p=0,005).

Conclusions:

Behavioral intervention plans might be developed to suit the needs of patients considering the possible effects of various factors, such as dietary habits, body image, self-esteem, emotional eating to control weight more effectively.

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