Prevalence of self‐reported obesity among diverse Latino adult populations in New York City, 2013–2017

Abstract

Introduction Latinos in the United States represent a heterogeneous population disproportionally impacted by obesity. Yet, the prevalence of obesity by specific Latino group is unclear. Using the New York City Community Health Survey (2013–2017), this study compared self‐reported obesity in the city's largest Latino adult populations (Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Dominicans, Ecuadorians, and Colombians). Methods Age‐standardized prevalence using the 2000 Census and prevalence ratios (PRs) for self‐reported obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) by country of origin were estimated using weighted multivariable logistic regression adjusting for socio‐demographic characteristics, health status, and behaviors. Results Obesity prevalence among Mexicans (36.8%; 95% CI [31.5, 42.4]) and Puerto Ricans (36.3%; 95% CI [31.7, 41.3]) was significantly higher than that among Colombians (23.8%; 95% CI [18.8, 29.5]), Ecuadorians (24.2%; 95% CI [20.7, 28.1]), and Dominicans (27.0%; 95% CI [25.0, 29.1]). After adjusting for covariates, compared to Mexicans, the PRs of obesity remained significantly lower for Colombians (PR = 0.80; 95% CI [0.64, 1.00]), Ecuadorians (PR = 0.72; 95% CI [0.61, 0.86]) and Dominicans (PR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.65, 0.85]). There was no significant difference between Mexicans and Puerto Ricans. Conclusion Obesity prevalence differs by country of origin, suggesting that clustering of Latinos in public health research may obscure unique risks among specific groups. Despite group differences, all Latino groups exhibit high prevalence of obesity and warrant renewed efforts tailored to the specific context and culture of each group to prevent and reduce obesity.

Insights from a cross-sectional binational study comparing obesity among Colombians in their home country and in the U.S.

“…More research is needed to elucidate how the process of immigration may differently affect Colombians. Our study suggest that education level and employment status are potential pathways for weight status among Colombian immigrants [33]. These factors should be researched further in terms of how they relate to new social norms and lifestyle in the U.S., migration networks, and disease status or disabilities.…”

“…Minimal obesity research has been conducted in the Colombian diaspora in the U.S. One study, using data from 2013-2017, found that Colombians in NYC had a signi cantly lower prevalence of obesity when compared to Mexicans and Puerto Ricans residing in NYC [33].…”

Smaller prize, bigger size? Exploring the impact of money on men’s self-reported markers of masculinity

“…One plausible reason for men’s desire to be tall, and for women’s preference for men with an imposing stature and other formidability features, is the link between male stature and status ( Jackson and Ervin, 1992 ; Buss, 2016 ; Otterbring et al, 2018 ), which appears to be more than metaphorical, considering that we tend to “look up to” tall individuals, as evidenced from their many benefits in life ( Schubert, 2005 ; Stulp et al, 2013 ). In other words, just as the “what is beautiful is good”-stereotype ( Dion et al, 1972 ) postulates that physically attractive individuals are evaluated far more favorably even on traits and characteristics that have nothing to do with their looks, people also hold a “height halo,” in which tall people are portrayed and perceived more positively as a function of their “altitude advantage.” Similarly, sometimes weight signals importance ( Jostmann et al, 2009 ), suggesting that men may over-report their weight to signal masculinity, power, and potency ( Roberts, 1995 ; Ambwani and Chmielewski, 2013 ; Devia et al, 2021 ).…”

“…In other words, just as the "what is beautiful is good"-stereotype (Dion et al, 1972) postulates that physically attractive individuals are evaluated far more favorably even on traits and characteristics that have nothing to do with their looks, people also hold a "height halo, " in which tall people are portrayed and perceived more positively as a function of their "altitude advantage. " Similarly, sometimes weight signals importance (Jostmann et al, 2009), suggesting that men may over-report their weight to signal masculinity, power, and potency (Roberts, 1995;Ambwani and Chmielewski, 2013;Devia et al, 2021).…”

Insights from a cross-sectional binational study comparing obesity among nonimmigrant Colombians in their home country and Colombian immigrants in the U.S.

“…Minimal obesity research has been conducted in the Colombian diaspora in the U.S. One study, using data from 2013 to 2017, found that Colombians in NYC had a significantly lower prevalence of obesity when compared to Mexicans and Puerto Ricans residing in NYC [ 33 ]. In addition to the paucity of data in general, there are no obesity studies using a transnational perspective [ 6 , 34 ], comparing the nonimmigrant Colombian population in Colombia with their U.S. counterparts.…”