Weight and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

I review the effect of weight on the prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and of its associated conditions. Weight loss decreases morbidity in diabetic patients. The effect of weight loss on mortality also is favorable, although the number of reports in which this has been studied is small. The recommendation is made that persons with NIDDM who have a body mass index (BMI, in kg/m(2)) > 25 should try to lose weight to at least that level. Those with BMIs between 20 and 25 should make every effort to maintain their present weight throughout life.