Lower diabetes risk with each kilo
- Published in
- Diabetes Care 2006
- People studied
- 1,079
In 1,079 people at high risk, each kilogram lost went with a 16% lower risk of diabetes over 3.2 years.
- Checked against
- PubMed 16936160
- Published in
- Diabetes Care 2006
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This analysis looked only at the 1,079 people in the lifestyle group of the Diabetes Prevention Program, with an average BMI of about 34. Weight loss was the strongest predictor of who avoided type 2 diabetes. Each kilogram lost went with a 16% lower risk over 3.2 years, after allowing for changes in diet and activity. Among people who did not reach the weight goal, meeting the activity goal still went with 44% fewer cases.
At a glance
- Type of study
- analysis of one group in a randomised trial
- People studied
- 1,079
- How long
- 3.2 years
- Compared with
- people in the same programme who lost less
- Main result
- Each kilogram lost went with a 16% lower diabetes risk.
- Strength of evidence
- Long-term or observational studies
What this study does not show
An analysis within one group of a trial, so it shows an association, not proof that each kilogram caused the lower risk. All participants were US adults at high risk.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on metabolism
- Lower diabetes risk with each kiloLong-term or observational studies · Hamman et al., Diabetes Care 2006
- Better insulin responseSmall or uncontrolled studies · Magkos et al., Cell Metab 2016
- Half as many new diabetes casesRandomised trials · Tuomilehto et al., NEJM 2001
- More than 5% for clearer blood sugar gainsRandomised trials · Franz et al., J Acad Nutr Diet 2015
- More diabetes remission with fewer caloriesRandomised trials · Jayedi et al., Am J Clin Nutr 2023
- Remission of type 2 diabetes at 2 yearsRandomised trials · Lean et al., Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2019
- Fewer new cases of type 2 diabetesRandomised trials · Ruiz-Canela et al., Ann Intern Med 2025
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