Richard Bannor, Sherry Pagoto, Christie I. Idiong, Jared Goetz, Jane Kimani, Jolaade Kalinowski, Roman Shrestha, Ran Xu
Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, April 2026. Abstract
African immigrants in the US are highly affected by obesity and obesity-related health conditions, possibly due to the obesogenic food environment and sedentary lifestyle. We aimed to understand the weight, lifestyle behaviors, and body image perceptions of African immigrants. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 70 (67% female) African immigrants with overweight or obesity [mean age 40.69 (SD = 10.26), BMI = 31.41 kg/m2 (SD = 3.95)]. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and one-way ANOVA. Participants had an average weight change of 24.41 lbs (SD = 29.40) (P < 0.0001) with about 84% reporting gaining > 5 lbs since migrating. Participants’ weight percentile change (adjusted for age and gender) from before to after migration was + 11.17 (SD = 17.66; P < 0.0001). Most participants (83%) reported changes in diet after migration, of which the most common were more fast food intake and less fruit and vegetable consumption. The most common barrier to consuming a healthy diet was that fruit and vegetables in the US do not taste as good as they did in Africa. About 38.10% participants met the Physical Activity Guidelines, and the most common barriers to physical activity were feeling too tired and being too busy. Most (87%) participants desired leaner body types. Post-migration weight gain appears to be common among African immigrants with overweight or obesity, and their diets may become less healthy following migration. Findings underscore the need for longitudinal studies to evaluate how weight, diet, and physical activity change from pre- to post-migration in African immigrants and identify predictors that could inform weight gain prevention interventions.