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Comparison of physical activity as an obesity-related behavior between immigrants and native-born US adults

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  • Joyce T. Alese

    (Georgia State University)

  • Olatunji B. Alese

    (Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University)

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases and chronic conditions such as obesity constitute significant public health issues in the United States (US) and globally. A major proximal determinant of obesity is physical activity, and related behavior. Limited data however exists comparing physical activity levels of US immigrants with those of native-born adults. This study aimed to compare US immigrants and native-born adults regarding associations of physical activity behavior and obesity. We analyzed data from the Health Information National Trends Survey. Outcomes of interest were various indicators of physical activity. Bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were utilized in describing demographics, weight distribution, and associations between variables of interest. A total of 3,185 individuals participated in the survey. Male to female ratio was 1.6 and 17% of the participants were immigrants. The mean age was 51 years (SD ± 15) for immigrants and 55 years (SD ± 16) for native-born respondents. Among immigrants, the racial distribution was 55.3% Hispanic, 18.9% Asian, 14.7% White, 9.9% Black, and 1.3% other races. Immigrants were less likely than non-immigrants to spend 6 h or more a day on sedentary leisure activities (adjusted OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42–0.97; p = 0.0350). Also, immigrants were more likely than non-immigrants to engage in physical activity of at least moderate intensity, at least once a week (adjusted OR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.07–2.05; p = 0.0192). Compared to native-born adults, US immigrants appear to have healthier lifestyles regarding physical activity behavior. Strategies to sustain such tendencies among immigrants will promote health and reduce overall risks of obesity and other chronic diseases in the US. Researchers, practitioners and policy makers should develop targeted strategies and focus attention on keeping immigrants in the loop of positive health behavior, while encouraging US adults to engage in more physical activity. Further studies are needed to determine the effects of various socio-economic, demographic and cultural factors that impact proximal determinants of obesity.

Suggested Citation

  • Joyce T. Alese & Olatunji B. Alese, 2020. "Comparison of physical activity as an obesity-related behavior between immigrants and native-born US adults," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:6:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-020-0441-4
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-020-0441-4
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    1. Heather Antecol & Kelly Bedard, 2006. "Unhealthy assimilation: Why do immigrants converge to American health status levels?," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 43(2), pages 337-360, May.
    2. Brian C. Cadena, 2013. "Native Competition and Low-Skilled Immigrant Inflows," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 48(4), pages 910-944.
    3. Cawley, John & Meyerhoefer, Chad, 2012. "The medical care costs of obesity: An instrumental variables approach," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 31(1), pages 219-230.
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