Introduction:

migration has been associated with the development of chronic noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disorders. Similarly, the food transition during migration has been related to a high consumption of foods high in refined sugars and saturated fats. There are specific characteristics of the eating behavior that may influence quality in the migrant population’s diet.

Objective:

to compare feeding behavior between the Colombian and Chilean populations residing in the north and center of Chile.

Method:

the structured interview E-TONA, focused on assessing the behavioral components of daily and anomalous eating habits, was administered to 1,872 individuals, both Chileans and Colombians. Descriptive analyses of frequency distribution and logistic regressions were performed, and odds ratios were calculated.

Results:

there are significant differences in the majority of eating behaviors, both daily and anomalous, between Chileans and Colombian migrants. Chileans tend to follow more regular schedules and “snack” more between meals than migrants. Migrants have twice the risk of eating alone because they feel ashamed of their eating amount and speed, tend to show fewer behaviors related to better quality in their diet, and tend to be less worried about their diet than Chileans; however, Chileans are almost twice as likely to binge on food and use food as a method to calm anxiety.

Conclusion:

there are significant differences in most of the evaluated eating behaviors that must be addressed in depth considering cultural differences.

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