Adherence
For female migrants, higher acculturation may be associated with lower BMI due to the adoption of Western body image ideals and increased physical activity, counteracting the obesogenic food environment.
If you are a female migrant, you may find that adopting some aspects of the host culture, such as prioritizing fitness and body image, can help you maintain a healthier weight despite the availability of unhealthy foods. This doesn't mean you have to abandon your heritage; it can be a complementary strategy for health.
The inconsistent results observed for women may be due to the interplay of cultural influences on body image, food choices and physical activity. That is, the Western ideal of a slim female body and higher values placed on physical activity and fitness may counteract the obesogenic food environment for female migrants.
Why this rating
Based on 3 studies within the review, showing mixed but notable protective effects for women.
Source
Acculturation and obesity among migrant populations in high income countries – a systematic review
Maryam Delavari et al. · BMC Public Health · 2013
DOI 10.1186/1471-2458-13-458
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →