Physician advice on exercise and diet in a U.S. sample of obese Mexican-American adults

Purpose. To document the prevalence of obese Mexican-Americans never advised by health professionals regarding exercise and diet, and to determine risk factors for no advice. Methods. Data came from 1787 obese Mexican-American adults (body mass index ≥30; age ≥18 years) in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. The survey included selfreported receipt of health care provider advice on exercise and diet as well as sociodemographic, health-related, and provider-related factors. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed separately for advice regarding exercise and advice regarding diet. Results. Overall, 45% of respondents reported that they had never received advice from a doctor or health care professional to exercise more, and 52% reported that they have received advice to eat fewer higher-fat/high-cholesterol foods. Men, nonmarried respondents, lowereducated respondents, those who preferred to speak Spanish at home, and those without comorbid chronic conditions were less likely to receive advice. Discussion. Results suggest that obese Mexican-Americans are insufficiently advised by health care providers regarding exercise and diet. Given the seriousness of obesityrelated health risks and the increasing prevalence of overweight status and obesity among Mexican-Americans, it is vital that providers are involved in finding ways to effectively educate and/or treat overweight patients.