Regional variations in dietary intake and body mass index of first-generation Asian-Indian immigrants in the United States.

Asian Indians (AIs) have considerable within-group diversity in education levels, socioeconomic status, language, and diet based on the region of origin in India. The objective of this study was to determine if dietary intake patterns vary based on region of origin among first generation AI immigrants and if these differences influence body mass index (BMI). AI men and women (n=237), over 40 years, in southern US participated in a telephone survey. Responses to the Block food frequency questionnaire suggest that the diet of the study participants was low in dietary fiber while dietary fat intake was within guidelines. Intake of individual foods varied by region of origin. BMI also varied by region of origin (P<.05), with individuals from the north having a higher BMI (26.3) compared to those from the south and west (24.3). Regression analysis showed BMI to be significantly related to total fat intake, physical activity, and north region. Results suggest that dietary advice and lifestyle recommendations should be individualized.