Immigration to the US: The Insidious Health Risk Factor

Abstract

US Latinos experience higher rates of obesity than their non-Latino counterparts. Factors associated with immigration, including length of residence in the United States, are associated with an increased risk of obesity. Latino community health workers (CHWs) work closely with communities, and are in an ideal position to provide insight on the underlying mechanisms of the Latino obesity epidemic. Focus groups were conducted with 15 CHWs and thematic analyses were performed to explore elements associated with obesity among Latino immigrants. Emergent themes included: reduction in physical activity due to less walkable spaces, more transportation options, and busier schedules in the United States. Interviewees also identified a sudden increase in access to unhealthy food and an abrupt reduction in access to, and affordability of, healthy food choices upon immigration. Culturally appropriate interventions to increase awareness of these factors and neutralize their effects among early Latino immigrants are recommended.