Supplementary Material for: Characterization of the Distribution of Body Mass Index in People with Type 2 Diabetes in the Portuguese Population

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health concern, closely linked to the obesity epidemic. In Portugal, the high prevalence of T2D, alongside important rates of overweight and obesity, highlights the need for targeted interventions. This multicentre, cross-sectional observational study aimed to characterize the Portuguese T2D population based on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, while examining associated sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic factors. Adult patients with self-reported T2D were recruited from community pharmacies in June 2024. Data on anthropometric characteristics, clinical history, lifestyle, and antidiabetic medication were collected via questionnaires and pharmacy records.
Of the 1,132 participants included [mean age 68.3 years (SD 10.8); 51.0% female], 41.3% were overweight, 37.7% presented obesity (26.2% Class I, 8.8% Class II, 2.7% Class III), and 21.0% had a BMI <25 kg/m². Higher BMI correlated with younger age, female gender, unemployment, increased waist circumference, and higher rates of comorbidities like hypertension, sleep apnoea, and chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Almost all patients (98.2%) were treated with glucose-lowering agents, mainly oral therapies (44%).
Our findings highlight a high prevalence of overweight/obesity among individuals with T2D in Portugal. This finding emphasizes the need to optimize clinical follow-up and implementing more effective interventions for the prevention and management of obesity among individuals with T2D. Routine BMI and waist circumference assessments are vital, and integrated, for individualized T2D management that should address both glycemic control and obesity-related risks to improve quality of life and prevent premature morbidity and mortality.