Tag: Acculturation

Research consistently shows that immigrants and their children gain weight after moving to the United States. Often arriving with healthier pre-migration body mass indexes (BMIs), many individuals experience a significant and measurable increase in weight due to adapting to the new 'obesogenic' American environment. This phenomenon is driven by a complex mix of dietary changes, shifts in lifestyle, and cultural adaptation.

A 2019 review found that eating disorders occur all over the world, but their prevalence and presentation are shaped significantly by cultural factors. This reveals a global mental health challenge, forcing a closer look at how does culture influence eating disorders and the varied impacts across different communities.

According to a 2018 FAO report, 75% of individuals report that cultural traditions heavily influence their food choices, highlighting the deep connection between identity and diet. This relationship is a critical subject in nutrition and sociology, often simplified into educational formats like flashcards found on Quizlet for students.

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, a trend driven by numerous factors, including cultural shifts. Understanding how culture can affect obesity is crucial, as societal norms around diet, physical activity, and body image play a significant role in shaping individual behaviors and health outcomes.

According to sociologist Milton Gordon, successful integration into the dominant culture may involve up to seven distinct stages. The process of assimilation refers to how individuals or groups from a minority culture gradually adopt the customs, values, and behaviors of a dominant society.