Body mass index in multiethnic midlife women: influence of demographic characteristics and physical activity.

We examined the influence of demographic characteristics and physical activity on body mass index (BMI) in multiethnic midlife women. A sample of 236 African, European, and Mexican/Central Americans aged 40-50 completed the initial, 1-year, and 2-year assessments. The effects of demographic characteristics and physical activity on BMI at the 2-year assessment were evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. After controlling for other demographic factors, ethnicity, annual household income, and physical activity at the initial assessments were significant predictors of BMI. Body mass index (BMI) may be influenced by socioeconomic status as well as ethnicity. Regular physical activity should be encouraged to maintain a healthy BMI in midlife women.