Acculturation, weight status, and eating habits among Chinese-American preschool children and their primary caregivers: a pilot study

Abstract 

This study investigated acculturation, eating habits, and weight status among 53 Chinese-American children and their primary caregivers. Caregivers' mean acculturation score was 2.1, indicating low acculturation. Caregivers' mean body mass index (BMI) was 23.3; 21% were overweight (BMI ≥ 25). Children's mean BMI was 16.6; 17% were overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile). The food groups most commonly consumed at the child care center were dairy (15%), mixed dishes (15%), fruits (13%), 100% fruit juice (13%), and vegetables (11%). Of the food groups consumed at home, 43% reflected Chinese food, 26% reflected American food, and 31% reflected food that were shared by both cultures. Of the Chinese food, 26% were mixed dishes, 23% were bread, 16% were vegetables, 11% were meat, and 11% were soup. For American food consumed at home, 19% were desserts, 14% were sweetened beverages, and 11% were bread. Understanding acculturation, eating habits, and weight status of Chinese-American families is critical for designing and monitoring nutrition programs for this understudied population.

Keywords: Child nutrition, Chinese Americans, Weight status, BMI