Obesity status and body image of Chamorro and Filipino adults in Guam

Obesity rates on Guam compare to the nation, but there are ethnic differences in obesity status between the two largest populations in the island. Dietary intake and other health factors may account for some of these differences, but not all. Cultural perceptions of ideal body size may contribute to ethnic differences in obesity status. The purpose of this study was to compare obesity status and body image in Chamorro and Filipino adults in Guam. Obesity was calculated using measured heights and weights of 127 Chamorro (n=66) and Filipino (n=61) adults who were conveniently sampled. Self-report surveys were used to collect information on demographics, dietary intake, physical activity, and body image. Unpaired t-tests were done to compare BMI and body image between gender and ethnic groups. Multiple regressions were performed to determine predictors of BMI. Chamorro males and females were significantly more obese than Filipino males and females (P<0.05). Chamorro females reported looking larger, feeling larger, idealizing a larger body size, and portraying a larger body size to others compared to Filipino females (P<0.05). Body satisfaction was a predictor of BMI for males, while ethnicity and body satisfaction were predictors of BMI for females. Given these findings, public health interventions to reduce obesity should include focus on improving body perception.