Efficacy of Lifestyle Interventions in Reducing Weight and BMI Among People With Type 2 Diabetes: A Six-Month Clinical Trial

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is often associated with overweight and obesity, contributing to poor glycemic control and increased risk of complications. Lifestyle modification is a cornerstone in the management of T2DM, but its real-world impact on anthropometric measures like weight and body mass index (BMI) requires further evaluation. Objective The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of lifestyle modification counseling on weight and BMI reduction among people with T2DM over a six-month period. Methods This randomized controlled trial included 110 participants with T2DM, equally divided into intervention (n=55) and control (n=55) groups. The intervention group received structured lifestyle counseling, including dietary advice, physical activity recommendations, and behavioral strategies, while the control group received routine clinical care. Anthropometric parameters (weight and BMI) were recorded at baseline and at the six-month follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired t-tests with significance set at p<0.05. Results At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in weight, BMI, or waist-hip ratio (p>0.05), confirming comparability. At six months, the intervention group showed a significant mean weight reduction of 2.04 ± 2.30 kg (p<0.001) and BMI reduction of 0.792 ± 1.009 kg/m² (p<0.001). The control group showed non-significant changes in both parameters. Between-group comparisons revealed a significantly greater weight reduction in the intervention group (p=0.001), although the BMI difference was not statistically significant (p=0.924). Conclusion Structured lifestyle modification counseling significantly improved weight and BMI in people with T2DM over six months, highlighting its role as an effective, non-pharmacological strategy for obesity management in diabetes care.