Three-Generation Coresidence and Overweight among Immigrant Adolescents

HaeNim Lee, Boston College

The number of adolescents in three generational families has recently increased in prevalence. Although some studies have examined overweight and obesity among adolescents in two- or single-parent families, almost little is known about it among adolescents’ three-generational families, especially among immigrant adolescents. Using data from adolescents from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health), I examined the association between three-generation co-residence and overweight among immigrant adolescents, separately for Asian and Hispanic groups. Overall, I found three-generation co-residence was associated with reduced probability of being overweight among Asian adolescents, whereas this protective association was not found among Hispanic Adolescents. Findings suggest that programs aimed to promote psychological well-being among immigrant adolescents will need to pay particular attention to those in three-generation or single-parent families, tailored to cultural differences.