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Diet, Physical Activity and Weight-Related Behaviors, Changes and Risks with Newly-Arrived (< 1 Year) Immigrant and Refugee Adolescents (Ages 12–17)

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Abstract

Adolescent immigrants and refugees are at elevated risk for obesity, however, gaps remain regarding specific diet and lifestyle changes. This study examined: (1) weight status, behaviors and perceptions, (2) diet patterns and changes, (3) sociodemographic and dietary factors associated with BMI. Cross sectional survey, anthropometric measures were conducted at a school for newcomer youth in North Carolina. Data analysis included descriptive, frequency, bivariate and linear regression. Participants (n = 68, 55% female, < 1 year US) included immigrants and refugees ages 12–17. Thirty-one percent were overweight or obese. Forty-seven percent had attempted to lose weight. Positive weight perceptions were associated with normal BMI (p = 0.010). Fruit, milk, fruit juice, soda, and meat consumption increased post-arrival (p = 0.037, p = 0.010, p = 0.003, p = 0.044, p = 0.014, respectively). Dietary change was positively associated with BMI (p = 0.002). Adverse diet and lifestyle changes occur rapidly, are associated with obesity, and weight control behaviors and concerns warrant early intervention.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition Science, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA

    Lauren R. Sastre

  2. Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27412, USA

    Lauren Haldeman

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  1. Lauren R. Sastre
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Correspondence to Lauren R. Sastre.

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Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Dietary Acculturation Score Calculation

Survey question

Survey responses and scoring

Max score per question

(12) I have tried new foods in the U.S.

Not yet, and I do not want to

Not yet, but I would like to

A few (1–3 different new foods)

Some (4–5 different new foods)

Many! (more than 5 different new foods)

New foods score

0

0.5

1

2

3

3

(13) I have tried new beverages in the U.S.

Not yet, and I do not want to

Not yet, but I would like to

A few (1–3 different new foods)

Some (4–5 different new foods)

Many! (more than 5 different new foods)

New beverages score

0

0.5

1

2

3

3

29) We eat at home

We eat almost only traditional foods

We eat mostly traditional foods but we do try new American foods

We have meals with both traditional foods and American foods

We eat mostly American foods now

Home food environment score

0

1

2

3

3

Total max dietary acculturation score

9

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Sastre, L.R., Haldeman, L. Diet, Physical Activity and Weight-Related Behaviors, Changes and Risks with Newly-Arrived (< 1 Year) Immigrant and Refugee Adolescents (Ages 12–17). J Immigrant Minority Health 22, 282–290 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-020-00970-2

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