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Weight status of Mexican immigrant women: A comparison with women in Mexico and with US-born Mexican American women

Author

Listed:
  • Guendelman, S.D.
  • Ritterman-Weintraub, M.L.
  • Fernald, L.C.H.
  • Kaufer-Horwitz, M.

Abstract

Objectives. We assessed the association between birthplace, residence, or years in the United States and actual weight (body mass index), perceived weight accuracy, or provider screens for overweight or obesity among Mexican immigrant women. Methods. We used linked data from Health and Nutrition Examination Survey waves 2001-2006 and 2006 National Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey to compare 513 immigrants with 9527 women in Mexico and 342 US-born Mexican American women. Results. Immigrants were more likely than women in Mexico to be obese and to perceive themselves as overweight or obese after adjustment for confounders. Recent immigrants had similar weight-related outcomes as women in Mexico. Immigrants were less likely to be obese than were US-born Mexican Americans. Within the overweight or obese population, reported provider screens were higher among immigrants than among women in Mexico, but lower than among US-born Mexican Americans. US residency of at least 5 years but less than 20 years and reporting insufficient provider screens elevated obesity risk. Conclusions. Mexican-origin women in the United States and Mexico are at risk for overweight and obesity. We found no evidence of a "healthy immigrant" effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Guendelman, S.D. & Ritterman-Weintraub, M.L. & Fernald, L.C.H. & Kaufer-Horwitz, M., 2013. "Weight status of Mexican immigrant women: A comparison with women in Mexico and with US-born Mexican American women," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(9), pages 1634-1640.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2012.301171_1
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301171
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    Cited by:

    1. Claire E. Altman & Jennifer Van Hook & Jonathan Gonzalez, 2017. "Becoming Overweight without Gaining a Pound: Weight Evaluations and the Social Integration of Mexicans in the United States," International Migration Review, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(1), pages 3-36, March.
    2. Ro, Annie & Fleischer, Nancy L. & Blebu, Bridgette, 2016. "An examination of health selection among U.S. immigrants using multi-national data," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 114-121.
    3. Dondero, Molly & Van Hook, Jennifer, 2016. "Generational status, neighborhood context, and mother-child resemblance in dietary quality in Mexican-origin families," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 212-220.
    4. Ro, Annie & Fleischer, Nancy, 2014. "Changes in health selection of obesity among Mexican immigrants: A binational examination," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 114-124.

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