SAT-698 The Association of Anthropometrics, Adipokines and Inflammatory Markers with an Acculturative Stress Scale in a Latinx Population

Abstract Disclosure: L. Cooper: None. S. Schon: None. L. Jiang: None. E.E. Marsh: None. Objective: Prior research showed acculturative stress correlates with disordered eating and changes in body mass index (BMI). It is hypothesized that adipose-tissue associated inflammatory markers and adipokines may play a pathophysiologic role. This study aims to assess the relationship between acculturative stress and adipokines, inflammatory markers, and measures of obesity in a Latinx cohort. Methods: Data were analyzed from the Environment, Leiomyomas, Latinas, and Adiposity Study, a longitudinal cohort study in Michigan. Females aged 21-50 years were included. Adiposity/obesity measurements (BMI, body fat %, visceral fat ratio (VFR) and blood levels of adipokines (leptin, insulin, adiponectin) and inflammatory markers (IL6, CRP, TNF-α) were collected. The Acculturative Stress Scale—Adapted (AS) measured stress related to culture change using 9 questions. Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-squared tests were used as appropriate. Linear and logistic regression were utilized to assess the relationship between AS and markers of adiposity. Results: Data from 621participants were included in the analysis. The mean age was 37.5 ± 7.0 years, with participants moving to the US at a mean age of 22.3 ± 7.8 years. The mean BMI was 30.1 ± 6.8 kg/m2, with 42% classified as having obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Mean body fat % was 36.4 ± 6.4 and the mean VFR was 7.0 ± 3.4. Most (88%) reported Spanish as their preferred language. 309 participants completed the AS questionnaire. The mean AS score was 2.69 ± 1.81 (range: 0-9), with higher score indicating greater stress. 22% reported feeling guilty for leaving their country of origin. Both VFR and body fat % were positively associated with feeling guilty (p=0.007 and 0.030). 22.4% of participants reported being treated badly because of their accent or how they speak, which showed significant associations with age, BMI, VFR, body fat %, and leptin (p=0.019, 0.036, 0.003, 0.024, and 0.018 respectively). Few reported avoiding health services (8%), or government agencies (18%) for fear-based reasons. Linear regression identified only IL6 as a significant predictor of AS (t= 2.18, p=0.03). 22 participants (8%) had a high AS (>2SD above mean), however, association between total acculturative stress and serum markers or anthropometric measurements was not significant in this population. Conclusions: Among a cohort of Latinx females with high levels of obesity, acculturative stress was positively associated with IL-6. While obesity itself was not associated with total AS score, feelings of guilt and poor treatment were associated with increased adiposity measurements and leptin. The psychosocial stressors of acculturation and a new lifestyle with changes in physical activity and diet likely contribute. Future studies should focus on the association of lifestyle with acculturation and its relationship with adiposity to guide public health strategies to prevent obesity. Presentation: Saturday, July 12, 2025