Adherence

Acculturation to high-income host cultures is associated with increased BMI and obesity risk in migrants from low- or middle-income countries, primarily driven by rapid nutritional transition toward obesogenic diets.

For migrants moving to high-income countries, be aware that adopting the local lifestyle often includes adopting local dietary habits that may lead to weight gain. This is not inevitable; actively maintaining traditional dietary practices and social support networks (enculturation) can protect against this trend. Additionally, leverage the host culture's emphasis on fitness and body image if it aligns with your goals, as some studies show acculturated women may have lower BMI due to these counteracting social norms.