It Weigh(t)s on You: Everyday Discrimination and Adiposity Among Latinos |
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| Authors: | Kristine M Molina Mayra L Estrella Noemi Rivera‐Olmedo Christine Frisard Stephenie Lemon Milagros C Rosal |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, Community and Prevention Research Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA;2. Institute for Minority Health Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA;3. Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA;4. Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA |
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| Abstract: | Objective Evidence suggests discrimination increases the risk of obesity. The biopsychosocial model of racism posits that psychological factors such as depressive symptoms may link experiences of perceived interpersonal discrimination to obesity. This study tested whether self‐reported experiences of everyday discrimination were associated with adiposity indicators and whether depressive symptoms explained these associations. Methods Cross‐sectional survey data of 602 Latino adults living in Lawrence, Massachusetts, from the Latino Health and Well‐being Project (2011‐2013) were used. Participants completed questionnaires assessing perceived everyday discrimination and depressive symptoms. Anthropometric measures (i.e., BMI and waist circumference WC]) were obtained by trained staff. Structural equation modeling was employed to test for direct and indirect effects of perceived everyday discrimination on adiposity. Results Perceived everyday discrimination was directly and positively associated with higher BMI and WC, independent of sociodemographic factors, physical activity, and stressful life events. Perceived everyday discrimination was not indirectly associated with BMI and WC through depressive symptoms. However, perceived everyday discrimination was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Conclusions Self‐reported everyday discrimination among Latino adults is associated with adiposity. Day‐to‐day interpersonal discrimination may be implicated in obesity disparities for Latino adults. |
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