Socio-cultural perceptions and practices of dietary choices

In Norway, a dramatic increase of type 2 Diabetes has been observed in migrant populations from the Indian subcontinent. Prevention has resulted in increasing knowledge about the adversary effects of sugar, while the issue of fats has been left unattended in the Asian dietary tradition. The study explores post migratory cooking methods, cooking medium and food selection showing that despite following dietary recommendations of reducing sugar, fats, switching to plant oils, and consuming more white meats and foods of vegetable origin, the total fat intake remains high due to cooking methods, choice of cooking medium and selection of foods. The message ¿fat is harmful¿ by health professionals is insufficient without the understanding of the role of such foods in the lives of these particular women. Future dietary messages must take cultural and ethnic differences into consideration and be tailored for each specific ethnic group. Empowering women to make good decisions concerning their health remains a public health challenge.