The Body Mass Index Assimilation of U.S. Immigrants: How Do Diet and Exercise Contribute?

Abstract

We explore the underlying causes and implications of the previously documented unhealthy Body Mass Index (BMI) assimilation of U.S. immigrants to native levels. Diet - measured by fat, carbohydrate, protein, and caloric intake - and exercise have mixed success in explaining the BMI convergence of immigrants. Food and exercise assimilation differs by age group, with middle-aged immigrants exhibiting poor behaviors consistent with unhealthy BMI assimilation. Worse diets may contribute to BMI increases among young sub-populations: young immigrants assimilate in their intake of saturated fats, when calories are held constant. There are differences in behavior by income, as poorer immigrants exhibit greater convergence to unhealthy native eating habits. Home country conditions also influence dietary assimilation, with heterogeneity across Mexican and non-Mexican immigrants.

Keywords: Obesity, immigration, nutrition, diet, exercise

JEL Classification: I10, I12, I18, J11