Neighborhood and Behavioral Effects on Weight Change Across Immigrant Generations: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health)

Citation

Jones, A.; Ishizawa, H.; & Samant, P. (2023). Neighborhood and Behavioral Effects on Weight Change Across Immigrant Generations: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). International Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

Abstract

Background: Childhood obesity is a global problem that disproportionately affects minority populations in the USA. Relative to all US-born individuals, some foreign-born populations also experience higher obesity risk. Prior research focuses on the role of healthy behaviors in increasing obesity risk, but the neighborhoods in which individuals reside shape those behaviors. The aim of this study is to examine how changes in health behaviors and neighborhood characteristics affect weight change across immigrant generational groups. Methods: The study uses a prospective longitudinal cohort of 3,506 adolescents first interviewed in 1994 (The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health). To examine the relationship between immigrant generational status and weight change over time while considering healthy behaviors and the neighborhood environment, this research relies on linear multilevel methods. Results: Neighborhood disadvantage, not health behaviors, has a significant effect on weight change — for both first-generation Asians (β = 1.52; p < 0.001) and Latinxs across all immigrant generations. In neighborhoods where residents do not engage in much exercise, the role that one’s level of physical activity plays in weight change is lower than in places where residents engage in much exercise, irrespective of immigrant generation. Conclusion: These findings provide some evidence that neighborhood features and physical activity in the neighborhood may curb obesity risk among adolescents and young adults. The results can inform urban planning efforts and community-based interventions to increase physical activity across ethnic minority populations. © 2023, International Society of Behavioral Medicine.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-023-10161-6

Keyword(s)

Immigrant generational status

Notes

Export Date: 21 February 2023; Cited By: 0; Correspondence Address: A. Jones; The George Washington University, Washington, 801 22Nd Street NW, Suite 409C, 20052, United States; email: antwan@gwu.edu; CODEN: IJBMF

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

International Journal of Behavioral Medicine

Author(s)

Jones, A.
Ishizawa, H.
Samant, P.

Year Published

2023

ISSN/ISBN

10705503 (ISSN)

DOI

10.1007/s12529-023-10161-6

Reference ID

9959