Intercultural Perceptions of Obesity Among Chinese Americans

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09-11-20 Liou 002

Obesity is a major health epidemic affecting all ethnic groups including Chinese Americans. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the interface of traditional Chinese and American values related to perceptions of obesity in Chinese Americans residing in the New York metropolitan region. The researchers will highlight intercultural influences, social norms, and gender effects that relate to obesity risk. Insightful recommendations to reduce risk of obesity will be presented in an intercultural context.

Author Bio

Doreen Liou, EdD, RDN, is currently associate professor at Montclair State University in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in nutrition education and social marketing of health behaviors. Her research interests include applications of social psychological theories of health behavior in Chinese Americans and nutrition education of minority populations. She holds a doctorate degree in nutrition education from Teachers College/Columbia University.


Kathleen Bauer, PhD, RD is a Professor of Nutrition and coordinator of the Nutrition and Food Science major at Montclair State University. Currently she is involved in several cultural and academic research projects regarding psychosocial factors related to obesity among Chinese-Americans and methodology for gaining cultural competence. Her most recent publications include first authorship of a textbook on Nutrition Counseling and Education Skill Development, and chapters for books on psychosocial models related to obesity and gaining cultural competence in community nutrition. Dr. Bauer’s applied experience includes directing a nutrition counseling clinic, developing wellness programs for fitness centers and corporations and consulting for nursing homes. Honors include American Dietetic Association 2002 Outstanding Dietetic Educator for Area VII and the Gallo Award for Outstanding Cancer Research from the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.