Immigration status, visa type, and body weight among new immigrants in the U.S

Introduction: Obesity has become epidemic in the U.S., especially among certain racial/ethnic groups and immigrant populations. Possible correlates of obesity, including lifestyle, acculturation, and health-related variables, have been proposed. However, few studies have examined the association between obesity and immigration-related issues such as immigration status and visa type among immigrants. Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using the baseline New Immigrant Survey (NIS-2003), a study that collected data through in-person or phone interviews with a probability sample of 8,573 immigrants granted legal permanent residency to the U.S. between May and November 2003. We calculated body mass index (BMI) based on self-reported weight and height, and fit a logistic regression model looking at predictors of being overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25). The independent variables were organized into the following domains: immigration, acculturation, lifestyle, health, and demographics. All analyses were adjusted for sample weights. Results: Overall, 32.6% of participants were overweight and 11.3% were obese. Participants who were admitted to the U.S. with employment or legalization visas compared with those who came with family reunion-type visas had significantly higher odds of being overweight/obese (odds ratio (OR) = 1.37, p < 0.01; 1.36, p < 0.05, respectively). In addition, those individuals who adjusted their status after arrival in the U.S. had significantly higher odds of being overweight/obese compared with new arrivals (OR = 1.29, p < 0.01). Our results suggest that immigrants with certain visa categorizations and immigration status might be more prone to being overweight/obese, and are in need of weight management interventions.