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Furthermore, Use Of Bmi Scores For Establishing Obesity In This Ethnic Group ...

Furthermore, use of BMI scores for establishing obesity in this ethnic group has been questioned. Long et al (1998) evaluated anthropometrical and health status data from the International Collaborative Study of Hypertension in Blacks (ICSHIB), which involved Afro-Caribbean's living in the UK (Manchester area), and other parts of the world. BMI assumes a strong and consistent relationship between height and weight. However analysis revealed a weak relationship, which varied across African samples from different parts of the world, despite their genetic homogeneity.
EATING HABITS, NUTRIENT INTAKE
Various studies have assessed the dietary intake of UK African-Caribbean populations (e.g. Mennen et al, 2000; Luke et al, 2001; Sharma & Cruickshank, 2001; Vyas et al, 2003; NHS, 2005). The Health Survey for England (NHS, 2005) reports data on fruit and vegetable consumption and fat intake. The proportion of black Africans and black Caribbean's who met the recommended guidelines to consume five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day was lower compared to rates for Indian and Chinese men. Similarly, the average number of fruit/vegetable portions consumed by Afro-Caribbean's tended to be lower compared to other ethnic groups. However, consumption levels increased with age, and this increment was most pronounced in black African, black Caribbean and Indian adults. Fat intake levels (see Figures 4 and 5) for black African/Caribbean women were similar to levels reported by Irish and Pakistani women, but still (slightly) lower than the intake level for the general population. Use of salt in cooking (FSA, 2004) tended to be higher among Afro-Caribbean's compared with the general population average, albeit other minority groups (except the Irish) also reported high levels of use.

Figure 4 Fat intake (mean fat score, based on weighted FFQ) by minority group and gender (NHS, 2005)


Figure 5 Fruit and vegetable intake (% consuming 5 portions or more) by minority group and gender (NHS, 2005)

A DEFRA (2004) report on family food consumption patterns showed that Asian/Asian British and Black/Black British HRP households consumed the highest proportions of fats and oils (see Figure 6). Black African households also ingested the highest quantity of red meat. However, Asian and Afro-Caribbean households also consumed the highest proportions of fruits and vegetables, and the latter group reported lower consumption of diary products (milk and cream), compared with Caucasian and Asian households. Black HRPs also reported the lowest consumption and expenditure levels for ‘eating out', and lower energy intakes compared with Caucasian and Asian households. Furthermore, total energy (kcal) intake per person per day attributed to fat was not dramatically different across ethnic groups.


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