LAUSR

Key Points Question Among youths at higher risk for type 2 diabetes due to overweight or obesity, are perception and awareness of diabetes risk associated with risk-reducing health behaviors? Findings In this cross-sectional study of 1341 individuals representing 8 716 794 US youth with body mass index in the 85th percentile or higher, greater perception of diabetes risk was associated with lower physical activity and higher screen time, whereas awareness was not associated with health behaviors. Barriers, including measures of economic disadvantage, were associated with lower physical activity. Meaning These findings suggest the need to address barriers to engagement in risk-reducing behaviors beyond risk perception and awareness, including economic disadvantage.