Exploring the dietary choices of Indian populations living in the UK and India: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction
Indian immigrants have a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which could be attributed to multiple reasons such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors, dietary choices, and lifestyle. However, dietary and lifestyle choices are modifiable factors that can be effectively intervened upon. Unfortunately, despite being the largest ethnic minority group in the UK, there is very limited information on dietary choices and the reasons for those choices in this population. Previous studies suggest that acculturation-induced dietary changes can add to the deterioration of health in Indian immigrants due to the transition from traditional to Western diets. However, dietary changes and concomitant rise in non-communicable diseases in the country of origin (India) have also been observed in the last few decades, raising the need to explore the emergence of other contributing dietary factors.
Aim
This international study aims to explore and compare the dietary choices and the influencing factors in Indian immigrants living in the UK and natives in the country of origin (India).
Methodology
Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews in the UK and India. Underlying meanings were interpreted using thematic analysis methods, consistent with Braun and Clark’s six-step guidelines.
Key Findings
The findings showed that the dietary choices of Indian participants are changing in both countries due to factors associated with globalisation. These factors include increased exposure to pre-cooked and processed food from all over the world. The impact of media and the internet, changing gender roles, increased disposable income, and rising travel and migration for education and employment. Additionally, other identified determinants, like changes in taste preferences, traditional values, religious beliefs, and perceptions of health, are also influenced by globalisation, modifying people’s dietary choices in both countries.
Implications/Conclusions
Globalisation has become a significant determinant in altering the food choices and patterns of Indians living in the UK and India. Young participants acknowledged opting for poor dietary patterns, such as depending on ready-made food or skipping meals due to insufficient skills to prepare meals, time constraints, and easy access to pre-cooked meals of their choice sourced from globalised markets. Therefore, old models of acculturation that emphasise peer pressure, language barriers, or the unavailability of traditional food ingredients as a reason for dietary transition in immigrants need updating. A new, updated model of dietary transition that centres on the influence of changes to the local food environment, the shift in prioritisation of life values and ambitions, and globalisation as the cause, as well as considering parallel changes in the native country, should be used. The new model should guide age-specific intervention programmes and policy implementation, aiming to raise awareness and promote healthy eating in Indian populations in the UK and India.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Edge Hill University
Supervisor	PETER LEADBETTER (Director of Studies), JULIE ABAYOMI (Supervisor) & NICOLA RELPH (Supervisor)