Obesity and the experienced cultural, economic, and climate variations among immigrants to high-income countries: An umbrella review of the literature - PubMed
2 hours ago
- #Acculturation
- #Obesity Determinants
- #Immigrant Health
- #Public Health Strategies
- #Climate Impact
- #Socioeconomic Factors
- Obesity among immigrants in high-income countries is influenced by multiple intersecting factors including cultural, socioeconomic, environmental, and physiological changes.
- Longer duration of residence and higher acculturation levels are consistently linked to increased obesity risk, with acculturation stress, food insecurity, and socioeconomic disadvantage acting as key mediators.
- Colder and less sunny climates indirectly promote weight gain by limiting physical activity and access to traditional healthy diets, while cultural dietary transitions and intergenerational differences shape obesity trajectories.
- Methodological quality of existing reviews varies, with only a limited number providing high-quality meta-analyses; future research should focus on longitudinal, intersectional, and climate-tailored studies to inform interventions.
- Public health strategies need culturally sensitive approaches that address structural barriers and support healthy post-migration transitions.