BMI changes, dietary intake and physical activity of immigrants in the USA : an investigation of a South African population in the greater Atlanta area

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate post-immigration BMIchanges in a South African immigrant population and how dietary intake and habitualphysical activity reflect these changes. The study was designed as a cross-sectional,observational survey. Thirty-six volunteers aged 20 - 50 years were included in thesample. Volunteers were South African immigrants in the Atlanta area, USA, whohave lived in the USA for more than 6 months but less than 5 years.METHOD: Subjects were required to complete four questionnaires including a selfadministeredsocia-demographic, physical activity and food frequency questionnaire.The weight history questionnaire containing measurements including height, weightand waist circumference was completed by the investigator.RESULTS: A significant increase in BMI was indicated for both male (p=0.036) andfemale (p=0.0009) subjects. The increase in BMI for two age categories, 20-29 years(p = 0.018) and 30-39 years (p = 0.006), was also significant. Forty five percent offemales reported an energy intake above the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER)for active individuals. Reported saturated fatty acid intake (13% of TE) exceeded theAcceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMOR). The prevalence of inadequaten-3 and n-6 PUFA as well as fibre intake was high, especially in men. Sixty fourpercent of the population had a 'low active' physical activity level (PAL).CONCLUSION: The observed increase in post-immigration BMI implies that theSouth African immigrant population, similar to other immigrant populations, hasadopted to some extent, the lifestyle and dietary habits of the general US population.As a result, the South African immigrant population may also be subject to increasedchronic disease risk.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University