Acculturation and Obesity Among Immigrant Populations

Acculturation denotes the process by which individuals adopt the cultural traits or social patterns of another group. Among immigrant populations, this multifaceted phenomenon often encompasses changes in diet, physical activity and health beliefs, all of which bear directly on the risk of overweight and obesity. As migrants adjust to the dietary norms and lifestyles of host societies, they may encounter an “obesogenic” environment characterised by high-energy, low-nutrient foods and more sedentary routines. The interplay between the duration of residence, generational status and social networks shapes patterns of weight gain, while structural factors—such as socioeconomic status, neighbourhood infrastructure and access to culturally appropriate health services—exert further influence. Research has consistently shown that prolonged exposure to a host country’s food environment can lead to higher body mass index (BMI) and central adiposity, particularly among second- and later-generation immigrants. Yet, the picture is nuanced: cultural retention of healthy traditional practices, community support and tailored interventions can mitigate weight gain and promote healthier trajectories.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Acculturation and Obesity Among Immigrant Populations publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in acculturation and obesity among immigrant populations across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Acculturation: The process of adopting cultural traits or social norms of a host society, often involving changes in diet, behaviour and values.

Body mass index (BMI): A standard measure of weight relative to height (kg/m²) used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity.

Generational status: Classification of immigrants by birth generation (first, second, third, etc.), reflecting length of familial exposure to the host culture.

Community-based participatory research (CBPR): A collaborative approach to research that involves community members and researchers in all aspects of study design and implementation to ensure cultural relevance and sustainability.

DASH eating plan: A dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy, designed to reduce hypertension and promote cardiovascular health.

References

1. Associations of peer generational status on adolescent weight across Hispanic immigrant generations: A social network analysis. Social Science & Medicine (2023).
2. Using Community-Based Participatory Research Methods to Inform the Development of Medically Tailored Food Kits for Hispanic/Latine Adults with Hypertension: A Qualitative Study. Nutrients (2023).