Obesity in Latinx and White U.S. military veterans: prevalence, physical health, and functioning

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric research 2022-11, Vol.155, p.163-170
• Main Authors: Stefanovics, Elina A., Grilo, Carlos M., Pietrzak, Robert H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Disabled Persons - psychology; Humans; Latinx veterans; Medical conditions; Migraine Disorders; Obesity; Obesity - epidemiology; Obesity - psychology; Physical functioning; Prevalence; United States - epidemiology; Veterans - psychology
• ISSN: 0022-3956; 1879-1379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.08.014

While Latinx Americans in the general population are more likely to have obesity than non-Hispanic Whites, limited research has examined ethnic differences in obesity and its correlates among military veterans. To address this gap, we examined the prevalence, physical health and functional correlates of obesity in a population-based sample of Latinx and White U.S. military veterans. Data were analyzed from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of veterans. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the relation between obesity, and health and functioning measures in Latinx and White veterans. The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among Latinx veterans (weighted 43.6% vs. 35.5%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.81). While obesity was associated with a greater number of medical conditions, reduced functioning, higher somatic symptoms, and insomnia severity in both Latinx and White veterans, these differences were more pronounced in Latinx relative to White veterans, with higher rates of arthritis, liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, migraine, and physical disability, and greater physical, mental, and psychosocial dysfunction. Obesity is more prevalent in Latinx than in White U.S. veterans, and the associated elevated health and functional impairments are more pronounced in Latinx veterans. Characterization of co-occurring physical and functioning problems among Latinx and White veterans with obesity may help inform ethnically-sensitive obesity prevention and treatment efforts in this population. Study Highlights.•43.6% of Latinx veterans in the U.S. meet the criteria for obesity putting this population at risk for negative health consequences.•Latinx veterans had 40% greater odds of having obesity relative to White veterans.•This study provides new information about physical health and functioning associated with obesity separately for Latinx and White veterans.