Immigration and Acculturation Factors Related to Weight Perceptions and BMI in California Hired Farm Workers

Purpose Overweight and obesity increase risks of insulin resistance and diabetes, major health concerns among U.S. Hispanics. While overweight and obesity prevalences are on the rise overall, this increase is particularly high among non-U.S. born Hispanics. We have begun to identify factors associated with overweight and obesity in this farm worker population. Methods MICASA is a population-based study examining occupational exposures, lifestyle and acculturation factors, and health risks in 400 hired farm worker families. Participants include men and women, 18–55 years, Mexican or Central American descent, engaged in farm work at least 45 days in the last year, and residing in Mendota, CA. In this ongoing study, we have preliminary interview data on 579 participants. A subset of 177 participants has completed spirometry and anthropometry, including BMI and waist circumference. Results Men were older (mean age 39 years) than women (36 years) (p=0.002), and had lived longer in the U.S. (17 vs. 14 years) (p=0.0001). Overall, 66% were from Mexico, 30% from Central America and 3% U.S.-born. Immigrants from Mexico had lived in the U.S. an average of three years longer, compared to immigrants from Central America (p=0.0003). 38% of men and 42% of women were considered overweight (BMIs 25-29.9), while 47% of men and 44% of women were considered obese (BMIs ≥ 30). 42% of men and 59% of women self-reported current weight status as overweight (p=0.0002). Among men, factors associated with overweight status were increasing age, Mexican-born, longer time living in the U.S., more years working in agriculture, never/ex-smoker status, and higher income. Among women, increasing age, years living in the U.S., higher acculturation, and higher income were associated with self-reported overweight status. Conclusion Understanding relationships between immigration, acculturation, overweight and obesity is important for designing health prevention efforts to best target this at-risk population.