Affiliations: Independent Practice, Long Beach, CA, USA | Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Note: [] Corresponding author: Jennifer A. Boisvert, Independent
Practice, 110 W. Ocean Blvd., Ste 18, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA. Tel.: +1 562
394 6645; Fax: +1 562 436 1120; E-mail: jenniferboisvert@ hotmail.com
Abstract: This article reviews pediatric obesity and eating disorders in the
context of unique issues facing immigrants. Sociocultural factors such as the
obesogenic environment and unhealthy food and exercise habits as well as
psychological factors such as acculturation and fat oppression have been
identified as important in understanding and preventing obesity and other
eating disorders. In particular, survey data are presented to show that an
immigrant's age of first introduction to Canadian culture and subsequent
enculturation over the lifespan are highly predictive of eating disorder
symptomatology. The possible causal connection between obesity and eating
disorder symptomatology is discussed. Recommendations for research, practice
and prevention agendas are outlined in the aim of promoting pediatric health and wellness.
