Changing dietary habits of ethnic groups in Europe and implications for health

Abstract

A systematic review of the literature suggests the dietary habits of some ethnic groups living in Europe are likely to become less healthy as individuals increase consumption of processed foods that are energy dense and contain high levels of fat, sugar, and salt. Such products often replace healthy dietary components of the native diet, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Mixed food habits are emerging mainly amongst younger people in the second and third generations, most likely due to acculturation and adoption of a Western lifestyle. Age and immigrant generation are the major factors accounting for changes in dietary habits, whilst income, level of education, dietary laws, religion, and food beliefs are also important factors. Obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension present major problems for the mainstream European population. However, the risk of chronic disease is reported to be higher in ethnic populations, particularly South Asians, African Caribbeans, and Mexicans.

Major dietary patterns in relation to demographic and socio-economic status and food insecurity in two Iranian ethnic groups living in Urmia, Iran

“…This may reflect acculturation to Western and/or urbanized eating habits and departure from traditional dietary habits (50) to a more modern and convenient dietary pattern mainly by younger generations. As noted by Gilbert and Khokhar (8) , younger generations tend to change their eating habits by including fast foods, as they are seen to be convenient and reflective of independence. In contrast, older age has been shown to be associated with healthier traditional diets in many studies, as in our study, where it was associated with the THS dietary pattern (24,51,52) .…”

The impact of migration on body weight: a review

“…Immigration often leads to changes in the quality of food consumed and cooking methods. Immigrants are susceptible to a rapid change in emphasis towards convenience foods, such as snacks and sweets, while the consumption of staple foods like rice and corn remains unchanged over longer periods of time 5 . Studies show that the factors that affect eating habits among immigrants include food availability, income, beliefs relating to food, religion and "food laws", and the generation and age of immigrants 5 .…”

Ethnic differences in postpartum weight retention: a Norwegian cohort study

“…40 However, neither objectively measured steps nor regular pre-pregnancy physical activity pattern was significantly associated with PPWR in our study. Dietary habits differ among ethnic groups 41 and, following migration, many alter their traditional diet to a more unhealthy Western diet. 41 Several ethnic minorities reported an unhealthy diet in pregnancy compared with Western Europeans, but dietary pattern was not a significant explanatory factor.…”

“…Dietary habits differ among ethnic groups 41 and, following migration, many alter their traditional diet to a more unhealthy Western diet. 41 Several ethnic minorities reported an unhealthy diet in pregnancy compared with Western Europeans, but dietary pattern was not a significant explanatory factor. The mode of delivery was not found to be significantly related to PPWR, although an operative delivery reduces physical activities for some weeks.…”

“…Postpartum weight loss may differ by ethnicity, 42,43 but few studies to date have specifically addressed this issue. Mother-care practices in the postpartum period may vary across cultures 41 and different cultural traditions may contribute to variations in postpartum weight loss. We found that 58% of mothers were exclusively breastfeeding their baby at the postpartum visit and only small ethnic differences were observed.…”