An Examination of BMI and Daily Nutritional Intake, comparing Chinese Senior Immigrants in North Virginia and Chinese Senior residents in China

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between nutrient intake and BMI among U.S. Chinese senior immigrants and Chinese seniors residing in China.MethodsThis study analyzes data from a convenience sample of 41 first generation U.S. Chinese immigrants with 52 Chinese senior residents living in the Dalian and Guangdong provinces. Data analyzed included: BMI, daily calorie, sugar, saturated fat, protein, fiber, sodium, folate, potassium, and vitamin B‐12. Dietary data were collected using 24‐hour dietary recall method and BMI were calculated using height and weight data. T‐tests and correlation were used to determine relationships intake between dietary intake and BMI in the two groups.ResultsThe immigrant group has significantly lower BMI, calorie intake, and nutrient intake compared to the resident group. The calorie intake was lower by 27.07%, and the largest difference was found in sodium and vitamin B‐12, which was lower by 39.42% and 60.97%, respectively. All investigated nutrients are highly correlated with daily calorie intake (p < 0.01), except vitamin B‐12 intake in the Chinese resident group (p < 0.05). Vitamin B‐12 has the largest variation in both groups. BMI is correlated with sugar intake in both groups, and sodium in the resident group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAmong Chinese seniors, BMI is highly associated with daily sugar intake instead of calorie, protein, fat or carbohydrates intake. Further, a high sodium diet may result in high BMI. This study presents one of first to examine the relationship between nutrient intake and BMI among Chinese senior immigrants and residents.