Matkultur og utvikling av overvekt hos barn med innvandrerbakgrunn.

Abstract

Purpose: Obesity is a growing problem in Norway. The Norwegian population has only become heavier and heavier over the past few years. The increase is, however, generally larger in the Pakistani population who have emigrated to Norway than otherwise. The group in Norway is on average heavier and generally in poorer health than the Pakistanis in Pakistan. I wanted to investigate what role dietary habits and food culture has had in relation to this development. Can eating habits partly explain the development we see? In that way, how? Methods: It was performed a qualitative study where 9 housewives were interviewed. It was prepared an interview guide in advance. There were no other formal exclusion- or inclusion criteria except that the informants had to be of Pakistani origin and that they should have primary responsibility for cooking in the house. The interviews took place individually at home informants and in the language they wish, Norwegian or Urdu. The duration of an interview was added to a clock hour. Conclutions: Through interviews it emerged several aspects of the Pakistani diet in Norway that might be of significance in relation to the development of obesity. It is used a lot of oil in cooking, drinking much tea with sugar and milk, and it is eaten much desserts to mention some points. At the same time can we also observe a trend toward a healthier lifestyle among the second generation that is born and raised here. They are more concerned about what is healthy and proper food. In the future population perhaps we will not see the big difference between the Pakistani people and the rest of the population when it comes to overweight and obesity.