Purpose. We have a limited understanding of the objectively determined physical activity levels by weight control status (i.e., trying to lose weight, trying to maintain weight, and neither trying to lose or maintain weight) among U.S. adults with diabetes. Therefore, this study assessed the association between physical activity and weight control status among U.S. adults with diabetes. Design. Cross-sectional survey. Setting. The 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used, which is representative of the U.S. population. Subjects. Subjects were 733 adults (≥ 20 years) with diabetes. Measures. Participants wore an accelerometer to assess physical activity, and questionnaires were used to assess weight control status and covariates. Analysis. Multivariate negative binomial regressions were used. Results. After adjustments, and compared to those not trying to lose or maintain their weight, women trying to lose weight engaged in 74% more physical activity (rate ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 1.14 to 2.65). Although findings were not significant for men, men were more likely than women to meet physical activity recommendations. Conclusion. Diabetic women trying to lose weight engaged in more physical activity than did their female counterparts not trying to lose or maintain their weight. Although men were more active than women, no differences in activity estimates occurred across weight control status for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]