there are a few articles on this subject. here is a short excerpt from one of the working papers
Participants (n=486) were categorized as Mexican (29.4%), Dominican (8.4%), Puerto Rican (20.6%), other/mixed Hispanic (14.0%) or non-Hispanic Black (27.6%). Obesity rates were lower in non-Hispanic Blacks (18%) than in Hispanics (31%). Mexicans had the lowest obesity prevalence among Hispanic subgroups (25%) and Dominicans had the highest (39%). There were differences in mean daily servings of food groups with Mexicans having healthier diets and Puerto Ricans and non-Hispanic Blacks having less healthy diets. Sedentary time was lower in Mexicans than in other groups in adjusted models. Examination of additional models including home language did not show significant differences in the estimates.
Any psychological references, like depression, failure to adjust to life in the big city, etc.? I dont see any core difference between the Mexican, Colombian and Dominican diets. There is one fried item and one stewed item and one boiled item generally speaking. That and the PRican and Dominican diets are almost 100% the same.
I think there is a psychological aspect to this as most Dominicans come to New York with exceptionally high expectations and no preparation. Mexicans come with simple expectations and no preparation. The former gets depressed and eats more of the fried, stewed, boiled foods while the latter might not.
Then again the majority of both groups receive food stamps so it could be there food budget and pantry decisions.
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