Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Volume 16, Issue 4, 2007, Pages 663-670

Body fatness, physical activity, and nutritional behaviours in Asian Indian immigrants to New Zealand (Article)

Kolt G.S.* , Schofield G.M. , Rush E.C. , Oliver M. , Chadha N.K.
  • a School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Australia, Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia
  • b Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
  • c Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
  • d Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
  • e Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, India

Abstract

Body fatness, physical activity, and nutritional behaviours were assessed in 112 (50 male, 62 female) Asian Indians living in New Zealand. Participants were aged 44-91 years (mean 67.5 ± 7.6) and had lived in New Zealand on average 51 months. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured to determine body mass index (BMI) and central adiposity. Bioelectrical impedance was used to derive fat free mass, fat mass, and percentage body fat. Pedometers were worn to record daily steps taken over each of seven consecutive days. A lifestyle and health questionnaire was administered to collect information on nutrition behaviours. Average BMI for the sample was 27.2 ± 4.7 kg/m 2 with females (28.0 ± 5.4 kg/m2) significantly higher than males (25.6 ± 5.4 kg/m2). Using Asian Indian specific cut-offs 69% of the sample was obese (BMI≥25 kg/m2) and a further 13.7% overweight (23≥BMI≤25 kg/m2). Average percentage body fat for the sample was 41.1 ± 9.1 with females significantly higher than males. The majority (74%) reported some form of chronic condition, with 35% diagnosed with diabetes. Physical activity levels for the sample were low (5,977 ± 3,560 steps/day) and significantly different between males (6,982 ± 4,426) and females (5,159 ± 2,401). Higher pedometer steps were associated with lower waist circumference. After adjustment for age, physical activity was lower, but nutritional habits better for those who had spent a longer time in New Zealand. In summary, Asian Indian immigrants to New Zealand have low physical activity levels and high levels of overweight/obesity and lifestyle disease.

Author Keywords

Obesity Asians Body mass index nutrition physical activity

Index Keywords

Adipose Tissue body composition lifestyle Asian Life Style India physiology exercise human Health Behavior sex difference middle aged statistics Overweight Asian continental ancestry group obesity Aged ethnology Humans male female Aged, 80 and over body fat distribution Adiposity Electric Impedance prevalence Article walking adult age Sex Factors Age Factors New Zealand body mass impedance nutritional status Body Mass Index
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-37349021660&partnerID=40&md5=3d47848d333cda6651e4231f245617b7
ISSN: 09647058
Cited by: 27
Original Language: English