Reassessing Established Assumptions of Dietary Habits in the USA in the Context of Migration and Acculturation: a Qualitative Study of Latino Immigrants

The growing prevalence of obesity in the USA disproportionately affects Latinos compared to non-Latino Whites. Immigration and acculturation have been associated with unhealthy dietary shifts among Latino immigrants, a phenomenon known as dietary acculturation. Emerging evidence points to a more nuanced relationship between dietary habits, immigration, and acculturation, highlighting the need for a more current comprehension of dietary acculturation.

We explored how Latino immigrants’ experiences in migrating to the USA have affected their perceived dietary habits and their experiences of how supportive the USA is in establishing healthy practices compared to their native country.

Employing a descriptive qualitative study design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 Latinos who had participated in a lifestyle change program between 2016 and 2019. We used thematic analysis to analyze the data and report emerging themes.

Participants expressed divergent perceptions of their dietary habits post-immigration. Some affirmed prevailing assumptions of dietary acculturation, citing deteriorating diet quality in the USA in the context of a faster pace of life, healthier options in the native country, and shifts in the food environment that prevented access to healthy foods. Conversely, others held opposing views, attributing their perceived improved diet to unhealthy dietary habits in Latin America, coupled with increased access to and affordability of healthy foods in the USA.

Our study contributes to the evolving understanding of dietary acculturation among Latino immigrants and provides a more nuanced and updated understanding of this process that reflects their current experiences in acculturating to the USA.