Weight Management Nutrition Information Pack

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Individual considerations

We all have unique nutritional needs based on a variety of factors. These factors include our genetics, our lifestyle, and environmental exposure to stresses. This is called biochemical individuality, and it is why it is important to tailor a meal plan to your individual needs. We all process food differently, so some of us get enough of important nutrients from the foods we eat and others may require supplements or more targeted meal planning to meet those needs.

In regard to weight management, weight gain has genetic and cultural causes.

Some ethnicities have a higher prevalence of obesity. But is it for genetic reasons or linked to cultural/socio-economic lifestyle reasons?

Genetic differences

Some cultures or ethnicities have genetic differences that impact their nutritional needs. These genetic differences can also affect weight management for these individuals.

Weight measurement of some ethnicities should take into account the difference in body composition for some ethnicities. For example, Black individuals often have a higher muscle percentage and asian populations often have a higher fat percentage so BMI may not be a great indicator of weight/health status1.

Evidence suggests that there may be different nutritional requirements linked to ethnicity. It may also impact retention of fat2. Increasingly, scientists are finding connections between genes and specific habits such as sugar intake, alcohol intake, and biological factors such as vitamin metabolism and fat distribution (source: Ancestry.com).

Knowing that genetics specific to certain ethnicities can impact health and weight management means we consider this when planning meals. 

Body image norms

Some cultures view weight differently. Excess weight may be seen as healthy and abundant for some, whereas in other cultures being overweight is seen as gluttonous or excessive. These differences can influence our commitment or motivation to lose weight.

Cultural differences

Food is an important part of most cultures. What we eat, how we eat and even where, can be culturally linked and impact on our weight management.

In some cultures there may be norms to:

  • eat together
  • eat while watching tv
  • clean your plate
  • eat to 80% full (Japanese)
  • eat slowly or eat fast
  • eat later in the evening

How we cook our food and what we eat is also a consideration for weight management. This varies by culture/ethnicity also and may include the following norms

  • deep frying foods or other cooking methods
  • choice of grains or meats
  • other religious or traditional norms that limit some foods 

Understanding an individual’s food culture means that respectful changes can be made to support weight loss and specific positive elements of culture can be embraced.

 

Environmental lifestyle factors also impact weight management

References

  1. Kuk, J. L., Mirzadeh, P., & Wharton, S. (2025). Ethnic differences in weight loss during a clinical obesity management program. Clinical Obesity, e70022. DOI: 10.1111/cob.70022

  2. Vimaleswaran, K. S. (2021). GeNulne (gene-nutrient interactions) collaboration: Towards implementing multi-ethnic population-based nutrigenetic studies of vitamin B12 and D deficiencies and metabolic diseases. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 80(4), 435–445. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665121002822

  3. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/overweight-and-obesity/factors-that-affect-weight