Diet Related Factors Influencing BMI Changes for Korean-Americans Residing in Eastern Area of America

This study was performed to examine the dietary and BMI change of Koreans after moving to America and to identify the factors influencing changes of BMI. The subjects were 192 Korean-Americans (men : 86, women : 106) residing in the eastern area of the U.S.A. 1) subjects reported significantly increased consumption frequency in American foods like, low fat milk(p<0.001), cold cereals (p<0.001), whole wheat bread(p<0.001), hamburger(only in males p<0.01) and pizza(only in males p<0.01). Whereas significantly decreased consumption frequency in fish (p<0.05), cooked vegetables(p<0.001), kimchi(p< 0.001) and cooked rice (p<0.001) were reported. 2) It was reported that weight, accordingly BMI were significantly increased (p<0.01). The smoking habit score was significantly decreased for males (p<0.05). 3) Multiple linear regression analysis for BMI change showed that education years in Korea was the most prominent negative factor(p<0.001) in predicting BMI change in America. Elevated frequencies of alcohol, chicken and soft drink in America were also associated with greater increase of BMI. When the length of residence (increase of age) was included in regression model, the increase of age was the most significant factor (p<0.001). Changes of chicken and soda scores were other significant factors.