The objective of the
present study was to identify dietary
parameters for predicting body weight change (ΔBW) in Mexican-born women
(Mexicans) following immigration to Quebec City, Canada. Methods: Changes
in fruit (ΔF), vegetable (ΔV), fruit and vegetable (ΔFV), and fat (ΔFat) intake
were assessed according to post-immigration periods (1-5 years, 6-10
years, 11-20 years) using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).
Anthropometric measures were also conducted in 87 Mexicans (study group) and
88 native-born Quebecers (comparison group) aged 18-65 years. Associations
were calculated using full and partial robust regression models adjusting
for potential confounders (origin, education, income, age, length of
residence in Quebec City). Results: There was no difference in ΔBW between the
groups. Body weight (BW) increased significantly in both Mexican (5.5 ± 0.9
kg, P < 0.0001) and Quebec women
(4.7 ± 0.8 kg, P < 0.0001). ΔBW
was positively correlated with ΔFat (β = 0.03, P = 0.003), but not
correlated with origin, ΔF, or ΔV. ΔBW was negatively associated with
education (β = –4.33, P = 0.007) and positively associated
with length of residence (β = 0.3, P = 0.003). Partial models indicated ΔF
(β = –1.35, P < 0.0001), ΔV (β = –1.04, P = 0.0001), and ΔFV (β = –2.27, P < 0.0001) were associated with origin, whereas net annual
household income (β = 0.16, P = 0.04) was positively associated with ΔFat. Conclusions: Change in body weight
could be predicted by
length of residence, education, and change in fat intake in Mexican immigrant
women and native-born Quebecers whereas changes in fruit and
vegetable intakes could be predicted by Mexican or Quebec origin.