According to a study, one out of five people with type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese (approximately 100 pounds or more overweight). Approximately two-thirds of adults with type 2 diabetes are obese and about one-third of adults without diabetes are obese (approximately 30 pounds overweight).

"The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes is increasing at a very alarming rate, and this has substantial public health implications," said lead author Dr. Holly Kramer. Among the reasons for the increase in obesity among diabetics and the overall population are inexpensive food, larger portion sizes and consumption of sugary soda, Kramer said.

Morbid obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. For example, a 5-foot-2-inch adult with a 40 BMI weighs 218 pounds (82 pounds overweight), while a 6-foot-2-inch adult with a 40 BMI weighs 311 pounds (117 pounds overweight).

Researchers reported that 62.4 percent of U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes are obese, and 20.7 percent are morbidly obese. Among African American adults with type 2 diabetes, 1 in 3 is morbidly obese.

The researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys completed during the years 1976 to 2006. Between the survey periods 1976-1980 and 2005-2006, there was a 141 percent increase in the rate of morbid obesity among adults with type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes.

People with diabetes are already at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, and obesity further increases this risk, especially among women. Obesity also increases other diabetes complications, including end-stage kidney disease.

Between 1976 and 2006, the average BMI of Type 2 diabetics increased 17 percent, to 34.2. The average BMI of adults without type 2 diabetes increased 11.5 percent to 28.1. (A BMI of 25 or more is considered overweight.)

The average age of adults with type 2 diabetes increased from 56.7 years in 1976-1980 to 59.9 years in 2005-2006. The percentage of men with type 2 diabetes increased from 42.9 percent to 46.3 percent.
References:
1. Holly Kramer, et al. Increasing BMI and waist circumference and prevalence of obesity among adults with Type 2 diabetes: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Journal of Diabetes and its Complications, 14 November 2009. doi:10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2009.10.001.