Comparison of Eating Habits in Obese and Non-obese Filipinas Living in an Urban Area of Japan

This study compares eating habits among obese and non-obese Filipinas living in an urban area of Japan. We used self-report questionnaires to study 635 Filipinos. Body mass index (BMI) and eating/lifestyle habits were noted. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m(2). Seventeen percent (24/140) were obese. Results of the age-adjusted multiple logistic regression analysis show that the following responses were associated with obesity: “frequency of eating high green and yellow vegetables” (every day: 0, not every day: 1) [OR 4.9; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.6–14.8] and “frequency of eating high fruits” (every day: 0, not every day: 1) (OR .2; 95 % CI .1–.7). We suggest strategies to prevent obesity and improve eating habits among this Filipina population.