Acculturation and body mass index (BMI) among Vietnamese Americans

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It has been shown that as immigrants’ length of residence increases, so does their weight. However, little is known about body mass index (BMI) and overweight among Vietnamese Americans.  This study examined whether BMI varies by acculturation level and nativity (US-born vs. foreign-born).   Data were collected with a cross-sectional survey administered through mail to Vietnamese American college students (n=251).  Most participants were young (mean age=22.2) ranging from18 to 38 years old and were US-born (48.7%).  Among participants, 29.3% of men and 8.8% of women were overweight (BMI 25 or higher).  US-born students were significantly more likely to be overweight than the foreign-born (24.4% vs. 10.4%).  While the prevalence of being overweight was low, length of residence was positively associated with weight status (P < 0.005).  According to the WHO, the BMI cutoff points for Asian populations are from 23 to 27.4 (overweight and at increased risk for BMI-associated disease).   More than one-third (34.6%) of the study participants had BMI 23 or higher.  Culturally appropriate strategies to help Vietnamese Americans maintain healthy weight status and to prevent them from becoming overweight and obese are needed.