Acculturation Factors Related to Obesity of Latino American Men Nationwide.
Obesity is a public health epidemic, particularly among underrepresented populations. With a large proportion of immigrants, Latino Americans comprise the largest minority population in the United States. This study examined the association of acculturation factors with obesity among Latino American men ( n = 1,127) using the National Latino and Asian American Study. The result identified two acculturation-related factors (being U.S.-born and living in the United States for the longest period/5-10 years) as positive correlates. In contrast, a different study on obesity in Latino American women demonstrated discrimination, but not the above factors, as significant correlates. The men's pattern suggests that the Hispanic/Latino paradox might have greater implications for men with respect to weight issues. Furthermore, Mexican American and Other Latino American men presented a greater likelihood of being obese than Cuban and Puerto Rican men. The findings, if replicated in prospective research, suggest the need for gender- and ethnic-specific intervention for obesity in Latino American men, particularly for the largest subgroup, Mexican Americans.
1 Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Amy L
AL
Ai
2 University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA, USA.
Hoa B
HB
Appel
1 Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
Jungup
J
Lee
D000069:Acculturation; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D054526:Men's Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States
men of color; obesity; risk factors; sex differences