COMPARISON OF DIETARY HABITS, PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY AND BODY-SIZE AMONG CHINESE IN NORTH-AMERICA AND CHINA

Background. Chinese in North America have higher rates of many chronic diseases than do Chinese in Asia, However, there is a lack of data am ong comparisons of the environmental and lifestyle factors for Chinese in China and Chinese residing in North America. Methods. We examined self-reported dietary nutrient intakes, physical activity patterns and body mass index of 2488 healthy Chinese men and women residing in Nor th America (US and Canada) and in the People's Republic of China. Resu lts. On average, Chinese in China consumed more calories (males 2904 k cal in China, versus 2201 kcal in North America; females 2317 Kcal in China, versus 1795 Kcal in North America and more carbohydrate, but le ss fat (males 72.2 g in China versus 84.5 g in North America, females 56.6 g in China versus 70.8 g in North America), protein, vitamin A, b eta-carotene and vitamin C than did Chinese in North America, Per cent calories from fat was 35% for Chinese in North America and 22% for Ch inese in China. In contrast, the per cent of calories from carbohydrat es was 62-68% in China and 48% in North America. Chinese in China repo rted spending more time in vigorous activity, sleeping and walking but less hours in sitting than Chinese in North America. Chinese in China weighed less and were leaner than North American Chinese. Conclusions . These differences in nutrient intakes, physical activity and body si ze of Chinese living on two different continents suggest possible expl anations for observed differences in chronic disease rates in the two populations.