Durational and generational differences in Mexican immigrant obesity: Is acculturation the explanation?

Using the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey (L.A.FANS-2; n = 1610), we explore the link between Mexican immigrant acculturation, diet, exercise and obesity. We distinguish Mexican immigrants and 2nd generation Mexicans from 3rd+ generation whites, blacks and Mexicans. First, we examine variation in social and linguistic measures by race/ethnicity, duration of residence and immigrant generation. Second, we consider the association between acculturation, diet and exercise. Third, we evaluate the degree to which acculturation, diet, exercise, and socioeconomic status explain the association between race/ethnicity, immigrant exposure to the US (duration since immigration/generation), and adult obesity. Among immigrants, we find a clear relationship between acculturation measures, exposure to the US, and obesity-related behaviors (diet and exercise). However, the acculturation measures do not clearly account for the link between adult obesity, immigrant duration and generation, and race/ethnicity.

► Using the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey, we explore the link between Mexican immigrant acculturation, diet, exercise and obesity. ► We find a clear relationship between linguistic and social dimensions of acculturation, exposure to the U.S., diet and exercise. ► Acculturation measures do not clearly provide an explanation for the link between adult obesity and immigrant duration and generation. ► We suggest that future work should be open to non-acculturative explanations of variation in obesity between immigrants and non-immigrants.