Work

Diabetes Prevention, Weight Loss, and Social Support

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined participants' perceptions of how their involvement in a well-established weight loss and diabetes prevention program influenced their social support persons (SSPs). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, participants were surveyed to determine their perceived influence on SSPs. Compared to controls, intervention participants reported that SSPs' lifestyle changes were more positively influenced by their study participation, and their amount of weight loss was related to favorability of perceived changes in SSPs' eating habits. Themes of lifestyle changes, knowledge dissemination, and motivation emerged from responses. Future lifestyle change interventions could potentially capitalize on program participants' influence on their social support networks.

Source: Family & Community Health

DOI: 10.1097/fch.0b013e318282b2d3

Authors: Julie Bishop, Megan B. Irby, Scott Isom, Caroline S. Blackwell, Mara Z. Vitolins, Joseph A. Skelton

Institutions: Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Wake Forest University, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist

Language: English

Topic: Diabetes Management and Education

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development