In the United States, the prevalence of Latino older adults who are obese and suffer from chronic illnesses such as Diabetes, High-Blood Pressure, and Heart disease are a concerning factor to this community. This research study examines the prevalence of these conditions among the U.S.-born and Foreign-born Latinos residing in the United States using data collected from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS).

Independent variables examined were nativity, age, gender, and health practices such as physical exercising and vegetable consumption. Dependent variables examined were obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI)), and chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high-blood pressure, and heart disease.

Results demonstrate that those individuals who self-rated their health very good or excellent had generally a lower BMI. There was significance between nativity and poor health, U.S.-born Latinos rated their health better than foreign-born Latinos. Elderly Latinos who had the most affluent groups were significantly less like to be diagnosed to have diabetes.