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Mexican Americans are at increased risk for obesity upon immigration to the U.S., increasing their risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Our pilot individual lifestyle intervention culturally tailored for Mexican Americans, COMIDA (Consumo de Opciones Más Ideales De Alimentos) (Eating More Ideal Food Options), showed promising results. This paper presents outcomes from the group-based version of COMIDA. 129 overweight/obese Mexican Americans were enrolled in 'Group COMIDA'. Participants' weight (primary outcome), dietary intake and nutrition knowledge (secondary outcomes) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Seventeen percent of participants experienced 5% weight loss at follow-up. Post-intervention, participants consumed more fruit and vegetables and fewer sweets and fried foods. A group-based, culturally adapted lifestyle intervention may be a more cost-effective approach than individual interventions to improve dietary behavior among underserved populations, though additional modifications may be considered to increase the intervention's effectiveness in promoting significant weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hispanics are the largest U.S. immigrant group and Mexican Americans are the largest U.S. Hispanic population. Hispanics, particularly Mexican Americans, are among the highest risk groups for obesity, placing them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Obesity lifestyle interventions incorporating Motivational Interviewing techniques and specific adaptations for the population of interest can have a significant impact on reducing health risks. This paper presents a community-engaged, culturally-sensitive nutrition and dietary counseling intervention conducted between 2016 and 2018 at the Consulate General of Mexico in New York City and reports preliminary findings regarding participant satisfaction and self-reported changes in eating and exercise habits. In addition, it describes the community and academic partners' roles and processes in program development, discusses strengths and challenges posed by a multi-sector partnership and describes adaptations made using the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to increase the program's sustainability and potential for scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mexicans are the largest immigrant group in the US. Little is known about their urban occupational health status. We assess occupational illness, injury, and safety training among New York City Mexican immigrants. This study is a consecutive sample of the Mexican immigrant population utilizing Mexican Consulate services in New York City over two weeks in March 2009. Bilingual research assistants approached persons waiting in line at the Consulate and administered an occupational health questionnaire. 185 people agreed to participate. Most work in restaurants (37%), cleaning (18%), construction (12%), babysitting/nanny (7%), retail (9%), and factories (5%). 22% had received safety training. 18% reported work-related pain or illness. 18% suffered from a job-related injury since immigrating. Most injuries were in construction, factories, and restaurants. 29% had not reported their injury. This study provides evidence that the urban Mexican immigrant population is at high risk for work-related illness and injury, is not receiving adequate safety training, and is under-reporting occupational injury. Culturally and linguistically responsive community outreach programs are needed to provide occupational health and safety information and resources for urban Mexican workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]