Overview

Abstract (English)

Objective: To investigate the role of acculturation, as measured by generational status, on body mass index (BMI) in a sample of Canadian youth. Methods: Population-based data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth were used. Participants were divided into 2 age ranges: children aged 6-11 years (n=14,287) and adolescents aged 12-17 years (n=12,155). Youth were classified into one of five generations of immigration: first-generation, second-generation, mixed-generation, third-generation, and Aboriginal. Parent- and self-report height and weight were used to calculate BMI Z-scores. Results: Generation of immigration was significantly related to BMI Z-score in both childhood and adolescence. first-generation immigrants had more weight gain compared to other groups during adolescence, but not during childhood. Conclusions: Acculturation, as measured by generation of immigration, is an important predictor of BMI in Canadian children and adolescents.

Abstract (French)

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