The relationship of diet and exercise for weight control and the quality of life gap associated with diabetes

Abstract 

Objective

The demanding behavioral changes for weight control to manage diabetes might contribute to lower quality of life (QOL). This research examines whether the demands of diet and exercise contribute to lower QOL among persons with diabetes.

Methods

Data were from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which measures days in the last month for poor physical health, poor mental health, limited activity, pain, depression, stress, poor sleep, and high energy, as well as weight control efforts.

Results

Respondents with diabetes averaged more impaired days on every measure of QOL. Neither efforts to control weight nor dieting were related to any measure. Exercise was associated with reductions in impaired days on all measures.

Conclusions

Exercising to control weight had a powerful effect on reducing QOL differences while attempting to maintain or reduce weight, and dieting to do so had no effect.

Keywords: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Diabetes, Diet, Exercise, Quality of Life, Weight Control