Ethnic Differences in Risk Factors for Obesity Among Adults in California, the United States (Journal of Obesity)

​Little attention has been given to differences in obesity risk factors by racial/ethnic groups. Using data from the 2011-2012 California Health Interview Survey, authors examined differences in risk factors for obesity among Whites, Latinos, Asians, and African-Americans among 42,935 adults (24.8 percent obese). Estimates were weighted to ensure an unbiased representation of the Californian population. Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were used to examine the differences in risk factors for obesity.

Large ethnic disparities were found in obesity prevalence: Whites (22 percent), Latinos (33.6%), African-Americans (36.1 percent), and Asians (9.8 percent). Differences in risk factors for obesity were also observed: Whites (gender, age, physical activity, smoking, arthritis, and diabetes medicine intake), Latinos (age, arthritis, and diabetes medicine intake), Asians (age, binge drinking, arthritis, and diabetes medicine intake), and African Americans (gender, physical activity, smoking, binge drinking, and diabetes medicine intake). Females were more likely to be obese among African-Americans, but less likely among Whites.

Race/ethnicity should be considered in developing obesity prevention strategies.

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