Review of Body Mass Index Reduction Interventions among Mexican Origin Latinos and Latinas

Abstract

Objectives: A literature review was conducted to identify factors associated with successful Body Mass Index (BMI) reduction interventions for Mexican origin US Hispanic/Latino populations. Data Source: An academic database search was conducted of peer-reviewed literature primarily in public health, medical anthropology, medical sociology, and biomedical databases. The key search words used were “Latino or Hispanic or Mexican”, in combination with “intervention”, “obesity”, “body mass index”, “weight reduction”, “best practices” and “lessons learned”. Inclusion Criteria: The inclusion criteria included an intervention protocol, with BMI measures, and a majority of participants identified as Mexican origin Hispanics. Search results yielded a total of 118 articles with 19 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Results: The review found that education and the use of culturally tailored/sensitive materials are important factors in BMI reduction. In addition, the study found that family centered and community based approaches are some of the most successful evidence based practices found in the Latino health literature. Conclusions: Obesity and its sequelae disproportionately impact both US and non-US Latino/ Hispanic communities and have life-long and intergenerational consequences. The findings from this review may serve as a guide to the development of more successful interventions and best practices to address the needs of Mexican origin Latino populations.