Abstract
To assess weight loss attempt among a Latino immigrant population from the Dominican Republic we analyzed data on 585 overweight
and obese Dominicans from a cross-sectional survey using Chi-square statistics, Student’s t-tests, and logistic regression models. We found 58 % of the overweight and obese tried to lose weight. Female gender (OR
2.28, CI 1.53–3.39), overweight perception (OR 2.37, CI 1.57–3.60) and weight loss advice from health professionals (OR 1.90,
CI 1.24–2.91) were strongly associated with weight loss attempt. Individuals with diabetes were more likely to receive advice
to lose weight (OR 2.58, CI 1.18–5.63; yet, they were more satisfied with their weight (40.5 vs. 27.8 %, p < 0.021), and no difference in their weight loss attempt (p = 0.849) was detected compared to individuals without diabetes. We conclude a significant proportion of overweight and obese
Dominican immigrants do not attempt to lose weight. Overweight perception and, except among individuals with diabetes, weight
loss advice were strong inducements to weight loss attempt.
and obese Dominicans from a cross-sectional survey using Chi-square statistics, Student’s t-tests, and logistic regression models. We found 58 % of the overweight and obese tried to lose weight. Female gender (OR
2.28, CI 1.53–3.39), overweight perception (OR 2.37, CI 1.57–3.60) and weight loss advice from health professionals (OR 1.90,
CI 1.24–2.91) were strongly associated with weight loss attempt. Individuals with diabetes were more likely to receive advice
to lose weight (OR 2.58, CI 1.18–5.63; yet, they were more satisfied with their weight (40.5 vs. 27.8 %, p < 0.021), and no difference in their weight loss attempt (p = 0.849) was detected compared to individuals without diabetes. We conclude a significant proportion of overweight and obese
Dominican immigrants do not attempt to lose weight. Overweight perception and, except among individuals with diabetes, weight
loss advice were strong inducements to weight loss attempt.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9638-y
- Authors
- Asqual Getaneh, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 575 West 181st Street, New York, NY 10033, USA
- Elsa-Grace V. Giardina, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Sally E. Findley, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912