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Immigrants' acculturation and changes in Body Mass Index
Tor Iversen1, Ching-to Albert Ma, Haakon E Meyer
1Department of Health Management and Health Economics, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1089 Blindern, NO-0317 Oslo, Norway. tor.iversen@medisin.uio.no
Economics and Human Biology
|March 20, 2012
Summary
Acculturation, measured by Norwegian language skills, was found to reduce Body Mass Index (BMI) differences between immigrants and native Norwegians. Immigrant residency duration did not impact BMI changes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Anthropology
Background:
- Immigrant populations often exhibit different Body Mass Index (BMI) trends compared to native populations.
- Acculturation, the process of cultural and psychological change, may influence health behaviors and outcomes, including BMI.
- Understanding factors affecting BMI in diverse populations is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) among immigrants from Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Vietnam residing in Oslo.
- To assess the impact of acculturation, specifically Norwegian language proficiency, on BMI changes relative to native Norwegians.
- To test the hypothesis that acculturation narrows the BMI gap between immigrants and native-born individuals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from two Oslo surveys conducted between 2000-2002.
- Measured current weight and height, and collected self-reported weight at age 25.
- Assessed Norwegian language skills and socio-economic factors as measures of acculturation.
Main Results:
- Acculturation, indicated by higher Norwegian language proficiency, was associated with a reduction in the BMI gap between immigrants and native Norwegians.
- The study found that increased proficiency in the Norwegian language predicted changes in BMI consistent with the hypothesis.
- No significant effect of the duration of residency in Norway on BMI changes was observed.
Conclusions:
- Language acculturation plays a significant role in modulating BMI changes among immigrants.
- Public health strategies should consider language acquisition as a factor influencing immigrant health outcomes.
- Future research could explore other acculturation dimensions and their impact on immigrant BMI.
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