Abstract

The obesity epidemic is a worldwide health epidemic. The purpose of this research is to ascertain obesity risk reduction behaviors and their psychosocial determinants in Chinese Americans. This study used a cross-sectional survey design with a convenience sample of 203 participants in Los Angeles, compared with a New York sample (n=447) of individuals between 18 to 60. Obesity risk reduction behaviors were assessed and psychosocial constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior and Health Belief Model were measured. T-test comparisons and multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the psychosocial predictors of obesity risk reduction behavior. In the LA sample, regression analysis indicated that 38.7% of the variance in behavior was accounted by self-efficacy and attitude. Among NY participants, self-efficacy, intention, and attitude contributed to 47% of the variance of behavior. T-test comparisons indicated a higher frequency of healthy behaviors such as consuming nutritious snacks and the recommended daily servings of fruits and whole grains among LA participants. In contrast, the NY sample perceived greater barriers in performing obesity risk reduction behaviors such as the impact of the physical environment on food choices. Nutrition professionals designing interventions with Chinese Americans need to assess their efficacy, intentions, and attitudinal predispositions in performing obesity risk reduction behaviors. A greater emphasis should be placed on addressing barriers of healthy eating when working with Chinese Americans living in the New York metropolitan area.