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Time since immigration and excess body weight
1Department of Sociology, University of Western Ontario, London. jcairney@julian.uwo.ca
Summary
Immigrant health is impacted by time since arrival. Excess body weight (BMI > 25) increases with duration in Canada, particularly for women and Asian men in their first five years.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Excess body weight is a growing global health concern.
- Immigration status is increasingly recognized as a determinant of health.
- Understanding how acculturation influences health outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between time since immigration and excess body weight (BMI > 25).
- To identify specific immigrant subgroups at higher risk for excess weight.
Main Methods:
- Secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey.
- Involved 19,600 Canadian residents.
- Statistical controls for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health factors.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of excess weight increases with time since immigration for both men and women.
- Female immigrants arriving within five years were less likely to have excess weight compared to Canadian-born individuals.
- Asian men immigrating within five years also showed a similar trend.
Conclusions:
- Time since immigration is a significant risk factor for excess body weight.
- Further longitudinal research with detailed ethnicity and anthropometric data is needed.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions for immigrant populations.
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