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Acculturation and Weight Loss Strategies Among Latinas

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship between indicators of acculturation and weight loss strategies among Latinas. Latinas residing in the United States longer had more experience with various weight loss strategies (r = 0.24, p = 0.05). Controlling for demographic factors and BMI, years of U.S. residence was related to whether increased physical activity (OR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.01–1.39, p = 0.04) and reduced portion sizes (OR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.02–1.91, p = 0.03) were used as strategies for weight loss. More English spoken at home was associated with use of reducing calories as a strategy for weight loss (OR 4.13, 95 % CI 1.06–16.09, p = 0.04). Regardless of acculturation level, less empirically supported methods such as using herbal products and a girdle were more prevalent than commonly recommended methods such as using meal replacement products and commercial weight loss programs. Behavioral weight loss interventions for Latinas should consider acculturation to more effectively target subgroups, address cultural practices, and teach lifestyle-appropriate strategies.

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Acknowledgments

We thank all community groups and organizations in Rhode Island that assisted and supported this research. This study was funded by the Weight Control & Diabetes Research Center at The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI and National Institutes of Health (T32HL07613405).

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, #0813, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA

    Becky Marquez

  2. Graduate School of Public Health and The Institute for Behavioral and Community Health, San Diego State University, Diego, CA, USA

    Guadalupe X. Ayala

  3. Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The Miriam Hospital/Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA

    Rena R. Wing

Authors
  1. Becky Marquez
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  2. Guadalupe X. Ayala
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  3. Rena R. Wing
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Correspondence to Becky Marquez.

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Marquez, B., Ayala, G.X. & Wing, R.R. Acculturation and Weight Loss Strategies Among Latinas. J Immigrant Minority Health 17, 610–613 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9936-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-013-9936-z

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