As the Nigerian immigrant population in the U.S. continues to grow, there is an urgent need to understand how adopting a Western lifestyle impacts their health. Samuel Ayeni, a second-year Master’s student in kinesiology from Nigeria at TCU, is tackling this issue head-on. His research is investigating the predictors of overweight and obesity among Nigerian immigrants in the U.S., focusing on the relationships between health behaviors like physical activity, dietary intake and sleep quality and body fat.
When immigrants arrive in the U.S., research has shown they often adopt less healthy habits, including consuming more calorie-dense foods and leading a more sedentary lifestyle,” explains Ayeni.
This phenomenon is particularly concerning for Nigerian immigrants, the largest African immigrant group in the U.S., representing about 0.6% of the total immigrant population, according to the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute (MPI).
Despite the increasing presence of Nigerian immigrants in the U.S., there is limited research on how these lifestyle changes impact their health. Ayeni’s research aims to fill this gap, examining whether health practices contribute to overweight or obesity in this population. His work aligns with the goals of Healthy People 2030, which advocates for achieving health equity for all, regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status.
A Cultural Shift
For Samuel, this research is personal. Having experienced firsthand the challenges that Nigerian immigrants face when adapting to a new environment, he is committed to contributing to the body of knowledge that could help improve their health outcomes.
"By understanding the social determinants of health—including socioeconomic status, built environment and access to health care—I hope to design and implement interventions to benefit this community in the future."
One of the main differences he has observed is in dietary habits. Traditional Nigerian diets consist of fresh produce, minimally processed foods and fewer meals eaten out—practices that promote healthier eating habits.
Many Nigerian families and communities also grow their own crops, making access to fresh, healthy food easier. However, in the U.S., these practices are less common, and accessing fresh produce can be challenging. Additionally, fast food is often a cheaper and more convenient option, contributing to poorer health outcomes over time.
Bridging Health Gaps
His research is also investigating potential gender and longevity differences in health habits, with an expectation that females may be more affected by overweight and obesity compared to males, and that the longer Nigerian immigrants live in the U.S., the more their health habits decline.
The research is currently in the data collection phase, with information being gathered from local churches, local clubs and TCU Nigerian-born students. The estimated project completion date is March 2025.
With insights gathered from this study, Ayeni hopes to raise awareness and develop targeted interventions that can help Nigerian immigrants maintain healthier lifestyles, bridging the gap between the healthful habits of their homeland and the challenges they face in the U.S. His research is a critical step toward addressing one of today’s pressing public health challenges—ensuring that health equity becomes a reality for all.