Exploring the Impact of Length of Residence and Food Insecurity on Weight Status Among Canadian Immigrants

Abstract

Purpose: While the individual impacts of long-term residence and food insecurity on overweight/obesity are well-documented, their combined effect on immigrants’ weight status is less understood. This study examines the interaction between length of residence and food insecurity in predicting overweight/obesity among immigrants and investigates whether this relationship is gender-specific. Design: A national cross-sectional survey. Setting: The 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey. Subjects: Immigrants aged 18 and older (N = 13 680). Measures: All focal variables were self-reported. Analysis: Logistic regression models were employed. Results: Long-term immigrants were more likely to report overweight/obesity than their short-term counterparts (OR = 1.39; P <.001). Moreover, immigrants from food-insecure households were at a higher risk of reporting overweight/obesity (OR = 1.27; P <.05) compared to those from food-secure households. The analysis further revealed that food insecurity exacerbated the detrimental association between length of residence and overweight/obesity in men (OR = 2.63; P <.01) but not in women (OR =.66; P >.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that long-term immigrant men may be especially susceptible to the compounded chronic stressors of extended residence and food insecurity. Health professionals and policymakers should advocate for psychosocial resources to help mitigate these adverse effects and support the well-being of immigrant populations.