Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2007

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Exercise Science

Committee Chair

Dr. Virginian Bennett, Department of Health, Human Performance and Nutrition

Second Committee Member

Dr. David Gee, Department of Health, Human Performance and Nutrition

Third Committee Member

Dr. Andrew A. Piacsek, Science Honors Research Program

Abstract

Risk for chronic diseases is higher among Mexican Americans than in the general American population. A high percentage of central Washington Mexican Americans (CWMAs) immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico. The purpose of this study was to determine if dietary behaviors differ between women living in these areas and if these differences were associated with physiological differences. Sixty-one women (ages 18-50) in Morelia Michoacan and 26 second-generation CWMA women (ages 18-50) participated. Body mass index tended to be higher in the CWMA women (32±7 vs. 29±6, p≤0.06) as was waist circumference (39±7 vs 36±5 inches, p≤0.06). those surveyed in both Michoacan and Washington tended to be overweight or obese. CWMA women reported using low- or non-fat dairy products, ate potatoes without adding fat, trimmed fat off of meat, and consumed fruit juices more frequently than CWMA women. Also, less Mexican women reported eating fast food the month prior to the questionnaire than CWMA Women. These differences in dietary behaviors could contribute to the differences in BMI and waist circumference

Comments

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