Development of Obesity and Related Diseases in African Refugees After Resettlement to United States

Abstract

Despite increases in obesity and related diseases in developing nations, initial refugee clinical visits do not address these issues. We explored the development of obesity and related diseases in a longitudinal prospective cohort of African refugees resettling in northeastern US. Using state Department of Health data, refugees were linked to a health system. Body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia status were extracted from charts. US regional controls from NAMCS/NHAMCS data were matched by age, sex, race, and visit year. African refugee BMI increased after resettlement at 1 (1.7 ± 2.9, p < 0.0001) and 5 years (3.1 ± 3.7, p < 0.0001), a different trend than matched regional controls (p = 0.01). Refugees had increased rates of diabetes (1.0 vs. 10.8 %, p < 0.0001), hypertension (16.7 vs. 21.6 %, p < 0.0001) and hyperlipidemia (3.9 vs. 10.8 %, p < 0.0001) at 5 years not observed in regional controls. Our findings emphasize the need for interventions during resettlement to prevent development of obesity and related disease in this vulnerable population.

Impacts of social integration and loneliness on mental health of humanitarian migrants in Australia: evidence from a longitudinal study

“…As a way of comparison, the prevalence among the general population globally is 3.3%, 6 4.4% and 3.6%, 7 respectively. Additionally, previous studies have indicated that refugees have higher risks of physical health issues, such as cardiovascular mortality, 8 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia 9 …”

“…Additionally, previous studies have indicated that refugees have higher risks of physical health issues, such as cardiovascular mortality, 8 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. 9 Existing evidence suggests that refugees experience a number of migration-related stressors along the migration continuum: pre-migration, in transit and post-migration stressors. 10,11 The pre-migration phase is concerned with individuals or families experiencing persecution or human rights abuses in their home countries, and who are trying to escape and find protection in a safer environment in another country.…”

Growth Trajectories of Refugee and Nonrefugee Children in the United States

“…9,12,17,18 Although several studies have reported an increase in the prevalence of obesity and obesity-related diseases among adult refugees and an increase in their BMI trajectories after US resettlement, the data among child refugees is limited. 19,20 Two small studies demonstrated a trend toward increasing obesity prevalence among refugee children. 21,22 However, obesity risk has not been examined in a large sample of refugee children.…”

Nutritional Status and Obstacles to Healthy Eating Among Refugees in Geneva

“…While immigrants in Western countries have a lower BMI on arrival than native-born people, their risk to be overweight or obese slowly increases with their duration of stay, to match that of native people [9][10][11][12]. A young age at arrival seems to increase the risk of obesity [13], risk that also depends on the country of origin [11,14].…”