Influence of Place of Living on Dietary Intake, Physical Activity and BMI of Indians and Asian Indians in the U.S.-A Pilot Study

Abstract

A balanced diet has all the nutrients required in correct proportions for healthy growth and prevents the body from contacting infections and diseases. There is a wide variety in terms of food and cuisine in India and in the U.S. This pilot study examined and compared physical activity (PA), Body Mass Index (BMI), dietary intake of the subjects in Coimbatore and the Asian Indian immigrants living in San Diego (SD) and whether or not the place of living, including length of residence in SD influences these variables. Asian Indians living in America exhibit cultural differences between their place of origin and the place of living. Thirty-two participants from Coimbatore (N=17) and San Diego (N=15), both men (N=16) and women (N=16) between the age group of 20 and 60 years participated in this pilot study. All participants completed demographic information, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a single 24-hr dietary recall. One-way ANOVA was performed to determine differences in the physical activity, BMI, macro/micronutrient and calorie intake based on place of living and years of residence in SD. Descriptive statistics for demographic information and BMI was calculated. No significant differences were found between the two places of living and years of residence in SD for PA, BMI, nutrient and calorie intake (p>0.05), except for significant differences in protein (p=0.03), carbohydrate (p=0.03), calcium (p=0.048) and vitamin A (p=0.001) between the two places of living.