Exploring Potential Mediation Pathways on the Relationship Between Acculturation and Body Mass Index (BMI) Among Latino Adolescents

Background: Positive associations have been observed between acculturation and body mass index (BMI), but the mediators of this relationship are not well established. Acculturation researchers have called for investigating the influence of socio-contextual variables as mediators. The objective of this study was to test the mediating effects of salty snacks, sweet snacks, physical activity, and sedentary behavior on the relationship between acculturation and BMI among Latino adolescents. Methods: Adolescents who self-identified as Latino (n = 431) at public high schools in Southern California were recruited and completed a self-report survey. A bootstrapped multiple mediation model was used to test mediation pathways. Results: Acculturation was positively associated with physical activity (B = 0.09, p < .05). The indirect effects of salty snacks, sweet snacks, physical activity, and sedentary behavior were not associated with BMI, suggesting no mediation. Conclusions: Future research should examine additional mediating variables on the relationship between acculturation and BMI.