Using California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data, researchers examine racial and ethnic differences in the dietary behaviors of overweight or obese adults. 

Findings: Authors noted that Latino and Asian immigrants eat more fruits and vegetables, whereas subsequent generations consume more junk food. 

The findings suggested there were significant racial and ethnic differences in food preferences and that English proficiency, in part, explained some of these differences. Overweight/obese African American/Black respondents reported eating fruit (aBeta = −0.73, [95% confidence interval = −1.29, −0.17]) and vegetables (aBeta = −0.71 [−1.18, −0.24]) fewer times per day and fast-food (aBeta = 0.21, [0.04, 0.38]) more times per day compared with their non-Hispanic white counterparts. 

Irrespective of language proficiency, Asians and Pacific Islanders reported eating significantly less fruit compared with non-Hispanic whites. Limited English proficient (LEP) Asians and Pacific Islanders were found to eat vegetables (aBeta = 1.41, [0.47, 2.63]) more times per day than non-Hispanic whites, in contrast to English proficient Asians and Pacific Islanders who were found to eat vegetables (aBeta = −0.64, [−1.11, −0.18]) fewer times per day compared with non-Hispanic whites. 

Both LEP and English proficient Latinos ate vegetables less often and drank soft drinks and ate fast-food more often than non-Hispanic whites. Conclusions. Efforts to intervene with individuals who are overweight or obese must include culturally and linguistically tailored interventions that consider how individuals’ dietary behaviors are influenced by their racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Given the importance of family in these two communities, efforts targeting healthy eating should take a multigenerational approach that emphasizes the healthiest food choices, are compatible with cultural origins, and take into account close relationships within the family to change behavior.​