Research

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Intentional weight loss in overweight individuals with type 2 diabetes is associated with a significant reduction in total mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality.

If you have type 2 diabetes and are overweight, aiming for a moderate, intentional weight loss of 20-30 pounds is associated with significantly lower risk of death from heart disease or diabetes. Avoid extreme weight loss (over 70 pounds) as it may carry higher risks. Focus on sustainable, intentional changes rather than rapid or unexplained weight changes.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Intentional weight loss was associated with a 25% reduction in total mortality (RR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.67–0.84), and a 28% reduction in CVD and diabetes mortality (RR = 0.72; 0.63–0.82).
David F. Williamson et al. · Diabetes Care · 2000

Why this rating

Observational study with long follow-up and large sample size, but potential for residual confounding despite adjustments.

Source

Intentional weight loss and mortality among overweight individuals with diabetes.

David F. Williamson et al. · Diabetes Care · 2000

DOI 10.2337/diacare.23.10.1499

cohort · n=4970Cited 565×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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