Related Experiment Videos
Overweight and mortality in Mexican Americans
M P Stern1, J K Patterson, B D Mitchell
1Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284.
International Journal of Obesity
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Mexican Americans are less likely to be underweight and more likely to be overweight compared to non-Hispanic whites. Despite this, their mortality rates are not higher, challenging weight-based health predictions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Geriatric Research Center (GRC) table uses mortality data to define desirable weight-for-height ranges.
- Individuals outside these ranges, whether overweight or underweight, face increased mortality risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare weight classifications of Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic whites using the GRC table.
- To investigate potential discrepancies between weight-based mortality predictions and actual mortality rates in these ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the San Antonio Heart Study, classifying 3176 Mexican Americans and 1841 non-Hispanic whites.
- Applied the Geriatric Research Center (GRC) desirable weight table for analysis.
- Compared findings with Texas vital statistics data (1979-1981).
Main Results:
- Mexican Americans were less likely to be underweight and more likely to be overweight than non-Hispanic whites.
- Fewer Mexican Americans fell within the GRC's 'just right' weight range.
- Contrary to predictions, Mexican American mortality rates (especially after age 45) were not higher than non-Hispanic whites, despite less favorable fat distribution.
Conclusions:
- Standard weight-for-height tables may not accurately predict mortality risks for Mexican Americans.
- Ethnic-specific factors likely influence the relationship between weight and mortality.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interplay of weight, ethnicity, and health outcomes.