**2. Methods**

## *2.1. Sample*

Data for the present study comes from the Latino Men's Health Initiative, which was an NIH-funded cross-sectional study (R21CA143636) designed to explore the role of cultural variables underlying race and ethnicity (acculturation, acculturative stress, ethnic identity, and cultural values) as they related to diet, physical activity, and body image among normal weight, overweight and obese Mexican and Puerto Rican men [47]. The Latino Men's Health Initiative relied on the heavy involvement of community partners who work with Latinos for a complete description, see [47]. Relying on community partners' experiences and expertise is consistent with the community-based participatory research (CBPR) model and allows for community partners to be involved in all aspects of the research process (e.g., recruitment, designing of interventions, dissemination of results) [48]. Data collection for the overall parent study (Latino Men's Health Initiative) was funded between 2010 and 2014. Overall, results from the Latino Men's Health Initiative will be used to

gain insight into the best ways to develop diet, physical activity and body image interventions for Mexican and Puerto Rican men using community-engaged and culturally targeted approaches.

Two hundred three Latino men (99 Mexicans and 104 Puerto Ricans) participated in the study. As noted elsewhere [47], the sample consisted of the following weight categories: Mexicans: 31.31% (*n* = 31) normal weight (BMI = 18.5–24.99), 36.36% (*n* = 36) overweight (BMI = 25–29.99), and 32.32% (*n* = 32), obese (BMI > 30); Puerto Ricans: 35.58% (*n* = 37) normal weight, 32.69% (*n* = 34) overweight, and 31.73% (*n* = 33) obese.

Inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) Self-identified Mexican or Puerto Rican men, even if they identified as biracial. (b) Ages 18–65. (c) Those who agreed to provide informed consent. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (a) Men with a BMI lower than 18.5 kg/m2 (no upper BMI limit). (b) Men who were unable to speak/read English or Spanish. (c) Those with an eating disorder (Bulimia Nervosa, Anorexia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder). (d) Men who had the intention to leave the Chicagoland area over the course of the study (i.e., 6 weeks).
