Gendered Overweight Prevalence Among Mexican-Origin Individuals by Parental Nativity

open_access
Open Access
Author:
Cherwony, Carly M
Area of Honors:
Sociology
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Michelle Lynn Frisco, Thesis Supervisor
Stacy Silver, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
overweight prevalence
children of immigrants
Mexican-origin
life course framework
overweight prevalence
Mexican-origin
children of immigrants
life course framework
Abstract:
Gender and generational differences exist in overweight and obesity prevalence among the Hispanic population living in the United States. Previous research finds that overweight and obesity are higher among Hispanic boys in childhood but are higher among women in adulthood. Additionally, gender differences are more prominent among children of immigrants, yet it is not well understood as to when these differences appear as one ages. Using the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, I examine sex and overweight during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood among U.S.-born whites, U.S.-born Mexicans with U.S.-born parents, and Mexican children of immigrants (N=4,117). Results indicate that overweight prevalence increases with age but do not support a significant association between sex and overweight among Mexican-origin individuals.