Body Image, Physical Activity and Cultural Variables Underlying Race and Ethnicity among Latino Men

Background: Overweight and obesity is a significant public health concern among Latino men. Common correlates of obesity that have been examined in previous studies are diet, physical activity, and body image. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine whether or not there are differences in body image, physical activity and cultural variables between Mexican and Puerto Rican men. Methods: Participants completed a health and culture interview, anthropometric measures, a dietary assessment, and an objective measure of physical activity. The results are from the 203 participants who completed the health and culture interview. Results: Mexicans and Puerto Ricans did not differ in their current and ideal body image, body image discrepancy, body satisfaction or how they described their weight. Puerto Ricans watched a greater number of hours of television per day than Mexicans (p < .01). There were no significant differences in their participation in any regular activity designed to improve or maintain their physical fitness, the number of times or length they engaged in this activity, or in their perceived exertion during this activity. Puerto Ricans reported a higher level of familism (p < .01) and machismo (p < .05) than Mexicans. There were no ethnic differences in folk illness beliefs, fatalism or personalism, acculturation level, acculturative stress, or ethnic identity. Conclusions: Results are discussed in relation to the development of healthy eating, physical activity and body image interventions for Puerto Rican and Mexican men.