The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #51286

Matiana C. Gonzalez Vela, EdD, RD, Center for Health Promotion and Prevention Research, The University of Texas Health Science Center Houston School of Public Health, 80 Fort Brown Room 2.202A, P.O. Box 20036, Brownsville, TX 78520, (956)554-5168, MatianaGVela@cs.com and Nell H. Gottlieb, PhD, Dept. of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Bellmont Hall Rm. 222, Austin, TX 78712.

Studies on body image typically have not included men and women of a wide range of body weights and socioeconomic levels and this has made it difficult to examine the impact of factors such as obesity, age, socioeconomic status, race, and gender on body image evaluation. To better understand the variables that influence body image and body size among Mexican American college females (N=202), the relationship between acculturation, body image and body mass index (BMI) among these women was investigated. Specifically, the relationship of mother’s weight and father’s weight to body image and BMI, the relationship of generation status to body image and BMI, and the relationship of acculturation to body image and BMI were examined. No significant relationships were found between acculturation level or generation status to body image. However, significant relationships were found between acculturation typology and self-classified weight, perceived current body figure, body dissatisfaction, and BMI. More assimilated women had the highest BMI, self-classified weight and body dissatisfaction. No linear trend was found. Even though these significant relationships were seen, the relationship between acculturation, body image and BMI among Mexican American college women is weak.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Recognize how acculturation and generation status among young Mexican American females influences their body image and BMI 2.Identify how perceived parental weight influences body image and BMI of young Mexican American females 3.Understand the impact of ethnicity, body size and gender on body image evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.