LAUSR

Food intake is determined by factors such a taste, appetite, income, affordability, cooking skills and education, in addition to family and culture. The importance of culture and acculturation may explain why certain populations display greater frequency of lifestyle risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) disease such as weight gain and higher consumption of high-fat/high-sugar foods. However, the process of acculturation assumes that the diet prior to migration is of better quality and may be dependent on the country of origin. The aim of this study was to determine whether second generation Greek-Cypriot (GC) adults living in the UK display differences in lifestyle risk factors for CVD in comparison to a UK population. Participants were sampled from networks in Manchester and Liverpool and matched for age. Those meeting the criteria of having at least one GC parent were included in the study. Individuals with British (BR) parents were used as a comparison group. Diet was assessed using the EPIC Norfolk food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and analysed with particular focus on cardioprotective components such as fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and dietary fats. Weight and height were measured, and BMI calculated. Smoking status was also determined. All procedures were approved by the research ethics committee at Manchester Metropolitan University.