Place of birth, duration of residence, neighborhood immigrant composition and body mass index in New York City.

摘要: Past research has suggested that changes in culture explain the substantial weight gain seen many immigrant groups with length of residence U.S. and across generations However, it been theorized those settling co-ethnic neighborhoods may be buffered against this acculturative process will more likely to maintain home country dietary physical activity patterns. To investigate theory we incorporated measures neighborhood composition into analyses individual's body mass index (BMI) generation immigration duration Multilevel were performed using objectively measured height survey data on diet from a sample 13,011 residents New York City. Census used calculate proportion foreign-born extent household linguistic isolation ½ mile radial buffer around subject's home. Foreign birth was associated significantly lower BMI (-1.09 units, P < 0.001). This association weakest among Asians (-0.66 = 0.08) strongest Black-Caribbeans (-1.41 0.07). After controlling for individual level variables, not BMI, but increasing inversely Hispanics (-2.97 0.03). Furthermore Hispanics, between foreign stronger low (-1.36 0.0001) as compared high levels (-0.42 0.79). Increasing higher overall Hispanics. The suggest acculturation is gain, characteristics are only size currently interpreted post-migration effects norms fact reflect taking place internationally.