Abstract
The prevalence of obesity is a public concern and is linked to chronic diseases. Filipino Americans have a high prevalence rate of hypertension and diabetes. This study investigated the dietary intake of first-generation Filipino Americans (n=210). In addition, it provides a comparison of the obesity rates using the International guideline and the WHO Asian recommendation. The dietary intake included caloric, carbohydrate, and fat intake and was determined using the Block Brief Food Frequency Questionnaire. The anthropometric measurements included actual height, weight, and waist measurements. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were categorized using the International guideline and the WHO Asian recommendation to determine obesity. The caloric and carbohydrate intake were normal; however, fat intake was increased. The BMI and waist circumference showed substantial difference when using the International and Asian guidelines to determine obesity. The results highlight the increased health risks of Filipino American immigrants including a high dietary fat intake and an increased obesity rate.
Highlights
In the United States, obesity is a public health concern with 34.9% of the adult population considered obese [1]
Despite having a low obesity rate, Asians have a higher percentage of body fat compared to other races of the same age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) [4]. is results in Asians having a higher morbidity and mortality even with a lower BMI
A study using the World Health Organization (WHO) Asian BMI cut-off points showed that the Filipino American overweight/obesity rate (78.6%) was higher than non-Hispanic Whites (53.8%), African Americans (64.9%), and Hispanics (69.7%) [8]
Summary
In the United States, obesity is a public health concern with 34.9% of the adult population considered obese [1]. In studies using the WHO Asian BMI cut-off, a significant increase in the overweight and obesity rates among the Asian American population was found [6, 7]. A study using the WHO Asian BMI cut-off points showed that the Filipino American overweight/obesity rate (78.6%) was higher than non-Hispanic Whites (53.8%), African Americans (64.9%), and Hispanics (69.7%) [8]. E recommended WHO Asian waist circumference cut-off points for increased health risks are >31.5 inches in women and >35.5 inches in men [9]. Is current article provides a secondary analysis of the participants’ BMI and waist circumference using the WHO Asian recommendation in comparison with the standard U.S guidelines to determine obesity Is article aims to present the dietary intake, including daily caloric, carbohydrate, and fat intake of Filipino Americans in New Jersey. is article presents additional analysis of data that was previously reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health [16]. e initial article presented the acculturation level and dietary pattern among first-generation Filipino American immigrants and the relationship among these variables with dietary-related health indicators. is current article provides a secondary analysis of the participants’ BMI and waist circumference using the WHO Asian recommendation in comparison with the standard U.S guidelines to determine obesity
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