Acculturation Factors Related to Obesity of Latino American Men Nationwide. Issue 5 (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ai, Amy L.; Appel, Hoa B.; Lee, Jungup
• Is Part Of: American journal of men's health. Volume 12:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 1421
• Page End: 1430
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: sex differences -- men of color -- obesity -- risk factors; Men -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Sex factors in disease -- Periodicals; Men -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Men -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; Men -- Medical care -- Periodicals; 362.10811
• DOI: 10.1177/1557988316653182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1557-9883

Abstract

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.