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The Influence of Contested Racial Identity and Perceived Everyday Discrimination Exposure on Body Mass Index in US
Danielle M Krobath1,2, Adolfo G Cuevas3,4, Jennifer D Allen5
1Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA, 02111, USA. Danielle.Krobath@tufts.edu.
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
|September 5, 2023
Summary
Contested racial identity, where self-perceived race differs from social assignment, is linked to higher body mass index (BMI). This association may be explained by increased exposure to racial discrimination, impacting obesity risk.
Area of Science:
- Social Determinants of Health
- Health Disparities
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Contested racial identity, a discrepancy between self-identified and socially assigned race, is a social determinant of health.
- Obesity is a significant health concern, particularly for Black, Hispanic, and Latino populations, and is linked to cardiovascular disease.
- Interpersonal discrimination is associated with higher body mass index (BMI), and individuals with contested racial identity experience discrimination disproportionately.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between contested racial identity and perceived everyday discrimination on BMI in a US adult population.
- To determine if contested racial identity is independently associated with higher BMI.
- To explore the mediating role of interpersonal discrimination in the contested racial identity-BMI association.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study utilizing a nationally representative sample of US adults (n=1689).
- Contested racial identity was measured as a binary variable indicating agreement between self-identified and socially assigned race.
- Weighted multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations between BMI, contested racial identity, and discrimination, controlling for covariates.
Main Results:
- 18.3% of participants reported a contested racial identity.
- Contested racial identity was significantly associated with higher BMI (β = 1.01).
- This association was attenuated when interpersonal discrimination was included in the model, suggesting discrimination mediates the effect.
Conclusions:
- Contested racial identity is linked to increased BMI in US adults.
- Interpersonal racial discrimination appears to be a key factor explaining the higher BMI among individuals with contested racial identity.
- Further research is warranted to understand the full impact of racism on BMI and obesity risk.
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