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Aims To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of implementing a linguistically and culturally tailored Diabetes Prevention Program among Chinese immigrants with prediabetes living in New York City. Methods A total of 60 Chinese immigrants with prediabetes were randomized into either a Diabetes Prevention Program lifestyle intervention (n=30) consisting of 12 bi-weekly core sessions and six monthly post-core sessions or the control intervention (n=30), consisting of quarterly mailing of diabetes prevention information. Each Diabetes Prevention Program intervention session lasted 1.5–2 h and covered topics such as healthy eating, physical activity, stress reduction and problem-solving skills. Outcomes such as percent change in weight, BMI, and HbA1c concentration were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months. A mixed-effects linear regression was applied to test the intervention effect at months 6 and 12. Data were collected in the period 2012–2013 and analysed in 2014. Results The participant attrition rate was < 5% (2 out of 60) at 12 months. There was a significantly greater percent weight loss in the intervention group (−3.5 vs. −0.1%; P=0.0001) at 6 months, which was largely maintained at 12 months (−3.3 vs. 0.3%; P=0.0003). Conclusions Participants in a Diabetes Prevention Program-based intervention achieved greater weight loss and improvements in HbA1c concentration than control participants. Evaluation of the Chinese Diabetes Prevention Program curriculum in a larger trial is warranted.

BackgroundBetter techniques are needed to help consumers make lower calorie food choices. This pilot study examined the effect of menu labeling with caloric information and exercise equivalents (EE) on food selection. Participants, 62 females, ages 18-34, recruited for this study, ordered a fast food meal with menus that contained the names of the food (Lunch 1 (L1), control meal). One week later (Lunch 2 (L2), experiment meal), participants ordered a meal from one of three menus with the same items as the previous week: no calorie information, calorie information only, or calorie information and EE.ResultsThere were no absolute differences between groups in calories ordered from L1 to L2. However, it is noteworthy that calorie only and calorie plus exercise equivalents ordered about 16% (206 kcal) and 14% (162 kcal) fewer calories from Lunch 1 to Lunch 2, respectively; whereas, the no information group ordered only 2% (25 kcal) fewer.ConclusionsMenu labeling alone may be insufficient to reduce calories; however, further research is needed in finding the most effective ways of presenting the menu labels for general public.

This paper examines Latinas' assessments of their individual body shape and weight vis-à-vis their beliefs and attitudes regarding mainstream and alternative body images. A mixed method data collection system was used based on individual instruments and focus group guidelines. While individual measures revealed participants' preference for thinner body types than what they actually considered themselves to be, group data underscore contradictory body paradigms, defined as Latinas' Paradoxical Body Images (LAPABI). Findings suggest the prevalence of a mainstream stereotype represented by the fit/thin White woman as the ultimate body ideal, along with the Latina curvy shape as its counter-image. The paper further discusses the importance of the media, and of divergent cultural values, in supporting these co-existing body ideals, as well as the need for more studies addressing their combined effect on Latinas' obesity patterns and their weight-control efforts.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Hispanic American women in particular have higher rates of obesity than their non-Hispanic White counterparts. In this article, the authors review the existing literature on acculturation as it relates to obesity and health behaviors among U.S. Hispanic women. In addition, a conceptual framework is proposed to examine factors contributing to obesity through "selective acculturation." This concept challenges traditionally held unilateral assumptions that underscore Hispanic women's unhealthful behavioral patterns by explaining a process whereby Hispanic women both maintain some older health-related behaviors and acquire new ones once they settle in a new culture.

A 7-week intervention assessed changes in food attitudes and behaviors among youth ranging in age from 6 to 20 of black, Hispanic, and mixed ethnicity after exposure to alternative food sources, food shopping and cooking, and nutrition education. While results include improvements Maggie Meehan, MA, MPH, RD, CDN, is the Manager of Seniors Nutrition Education, City Harvest, Meehan, Yeh, and Spark 457 in attitudes and behaviors toward fruit and vegetable consumption, knowledge about alternative sources of food, and increased enjoyment of cooking and food preparation, this study also suggests several parallel points of entry for improving food choices, including Internet use, hands-on activities, and a mentor/mentee learning structure. Further study must examine more specifically the relationship between enhanced awareness of alternative food sources and healthy food choices.

Findings suggest that parenting styles have a moderating effect on specific parental child-feeding practices. Parenting styles and parent's feeding practices could be an important focus for future public health interventions addressing the rising childhood obesity epidemic.