Research Highlights BMI Inequalities Among Immigrant Populations in Spain

A comprehensive study conducted by Distinguished Professor Luisa N. Borrell has uncovered notable disparities in body mass index (BMI) among adults in Spain, influenced by a combination of factors such as age, gender, immigration status, and educational background. Utilizing data from the 2014 and 2020 European Health Interview Surveys along with the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey, the research demonstrated that older adults, immigrants, and individuals with lower levels of education tend to have higher BMI levels. Conversely, women generally show lower average BMI values. Interestingly, the study found interaction effects among these social determinants, particularly highlighting that immigrant women aged 55–64 with middle or high education levels exhibit BMI levels exceeding the predicted values based on these individual factors alone. This suggests that targeted, universal health strategies should be tailored to address the unique needs of such at-risk groups. Dr. Borrell emphasized the importance of an intersectional approach—considering how social identities intersect—to understand and address BMI disparities effectively. The findings advocate for health policies that are flexible enough to cater to specific social and demographic contexts, ultimately aiming to improve obesity prevention and treatment efforts across Spain. This research was published in the journal Annals of Epidemiology. For more details, visit the source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-reveals-bmi-disparities-immigrants.html