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Year:: 2016
Contributor:: Gonzalez, Gustavo (author); Jelalian, Elissa (advisor); Risica, Patricia (reader)
Genre:: theses
Subject:: Obesity; Acculturation; Weight loss; Adolescence
Extent:: 69 p.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26300/gc1p-wd46

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Abstract:: Recent studies have shown Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black populations to be at the greatest risk for adolescent obesity. Some studies have found a correlation between assimilation--replacement of one's native culture with the host culture--and obesity within recent American immigrants. Assimilation has also been associated with deterioration in diet and adoption of other less healthy behaviors, possibly promoting obesity. The goal of the current project was to conduct a retrospective chart review for 51 overweight and obese adolescents who attended a hospital-based adolescent weight-control program and to examine the associations between dimensions of acculturation and aspects of weight control, including (1) baseline BMI, (2) baseline home food environment, and (3) BMI change, in minority patients. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between each dimension of acculturation and the three dependent variables. We found that the dimension of adolescent integration was significantly associated with adolescent baseline BMI (p = 0.01) and BMI change (p = 0.05). Specifically, greater adolescent integration predicted lower baseline BMI and a greater decrease in BMI. There was also a trend-level relationship (p = 0.066) between higher levels of adolescent assimilation and greater obesogenic home food availability. Based on our findings, it is possible that the retention of one's native culture could be protective against the progression of obesity or aid in the process of weight management. If true, then having providers who are in tune to individual levels of cultural identity may provide insight into the recommendations that are best suited for a particular demographic.
Notes:: Concentration: Health and Human Biology (AB)/Health Behavior

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Rights: In Copyright
Restrictions on Use: Collection is open for research.

Citation

Gonzalez, Gustavo, "Influences of acculturation on obese adolescents participating in a standardized behavioral weight-control program" (2016). Biology and Medicine Theses and Dissertations. Brown Digital Repository. Brown University Library. https://doi.org/10.26300/gc1p-wd46

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Biology and Medicine Theses and Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations for the Biology and Medicine department.
...

Influences of acculturation on obese adolescents participating in a standardized behavioral weight-control program