Hispanic older adults are burdened by obesity, and Body Mass Index (BMI) - a common measure of obesity, has limitations with aging. Further, Food Insecurity (FI) is linked to adverse health outcomes, including obesity. Yet, there is limited knowledge on obesity-related health risk disparities on account of place of birth among Hispanic older adults and the effect of FI. This study examines: 1) the prevalence of obesity {BMI/Waist Circumference (WC) classification} by place of birth and their associations to health risks- cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) and physical performance (PP), and 2) the impact of FI. First, a cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III with sample population of n= 4,584 participants aged 50 years and older {Non-Hispanic whites (NHW), n=3059; United States born Hispanics (USB-H), n=1170; Foreign-born Hispanics (FB-H), n=355} was done. Measurements include body types created from BMI/WC cut off values; CRFs as defined by the American heart association; PP-time tandem stand, time to complete five-stand and time to complete 8ft walk; sociodemographic (SDF) and behavioral factors (BF). Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between body types and health risks controlling for SDF and BF. Second, NHANES 2005-2014 with sample population of (n=5,772; NHW, n=3869; USB, n=613; FBH, n=1,290) was analyzed. Food security status was defined as suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture (food secure-FS, food insecure-FI). Multivariable logistic regressions examined relationships between FI, obesity, and having at least one CRF. The proportion of body types varied across ethnicity-place of birth. NHW and FBH were more likely to have normal BMI/WC, while USB-H were more likely to have high BMI/WC. Body types with high BMI/WC were more likely to have CRFs and poorer PP when compared to those with normal BMI/WC. Stratifying by ethnicity-place of birth, FI persons had 1.60-1.80 odds of having at least one CRF when compared to persons who are FS. This study suggests that regardless of place of birth, Hispanic older adults are at obesity-related health risks. The concurrent use of BMI and WC measures in clinic settings and population-based research may encourage healthy aging.
