Wealth and Health

Looking at Socio-Economic Status and its correlation with Obesity

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Poverty in America

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/family/2014/12/linda_tirado_on_the_realities_of_living_in_bootstrap_america_daily_annoyances.html

An extremely sad and thoughtful article, with insight into living a life of poverty in America.

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Obesity and Hunger

Obesity and Hunger are two rampant problems throughout our world. Although these two problems are in some ways opposite, they are also intrinsically linked. In some countries, those living in poverty are likely starving to death, while in others, those living in poverty may have such limited access to healthy food and education that they are in danger of obesity; a side effect of unhealthy food and inactivity.

Ellen Gustafson discusses a simultaneous solution to both of these problems by using the 30 Project (sustainable farming methods) to create enough healthy fresh food to keep our world full, active, and prosperous. Watch this TedTalk to learn more

https://www.ted.com/talks/ellen_gustafson_obesity_hunger_1_global_food_issue

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Reasons Behind Obesity

America’s relationship with obesity is one of disdain. The obesity epidemic is growing swiftly, and compromising the quality of life of a significant portion of our nation’s population. A common opinion is to blame the overweight portion of America for this rising pandemic; but, as Sy Mukherjee writes in his blog for thinkprogress.org, perhaps the fault lies in the structure of our society. Sy Mukjerhee’s article “Four Ways that Poverty hurts Americans’ Long Term Health”, compares the health-impacting conveniences supplied to the wealthy and not supplied to the poor. Mukherjee’s first point notes the average distance (1.8 miles) between low-economic housing and the nearest grocery store. Without an alternative mode of transportation, a three to four mile walk to the grocery store and back would be time and energy consuming, making a convenience store an easier and more feasible option. Reliance on convenience stores for supplying healthy, fresh, diverse foods is not a viable option, and this limited access to whole foods may be a large contributor to poor health in impoverished neighborhoods. The second point Mukherjee makes in his article is noting the high correlation between cigarette smoking and low-income. People with low socio-economic status are more likely to smoke cigarettes; this may be due to higher stress, less education, or less self control. Smoking cigarettes is a clear disregard for one’s health, as is eating unhealthy food and not exercising. The third reason stated by Mukherjee in his article is pointing out the correlation between impoverished areas and low air-quality. Low air-quality has a direct relationship with increased risk of asthma and diabetes, two diseases which impede strenuous activity and lower general health. The fourth argument made in Mukherjee’s convincing article is that economic insecurity can have debilitating effects, both mentally and physically. Financial stress can cause an increase in blood pressure, cholesterol and vulnerability to diabetes and obesity. Long term stress compromises the immune system and promotes weight gain. To make progress in fighting the obesity epidemic, we need to focus on the problems behind why so many of us are overweight.

http://thinkprogress.org/health/2013/07/30/2381471/four-ways-poverty-impacts-americans-health/

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Obesity and SES Trends

A large research study conducted in 1989 on socioeconomic status (SES) and obesity showed the a trend in obesity affecting primarily the wealthy. A more recent study, published in 2003, shows the inaccuracy in this prediction. Although more studies must be conducted to confirm the true nature of this relationship, three main conclusions have been reached: 1. Obesity affects all members of the developing world, regardless of socioeconomic status SES. 2. The wealthier a country becomes, the more the trend of obesity shifts to the less wealthy members of that country. 3. Women in lower socioeconomic categories are effected by obesity more than their male counterparts. In the United States, the trend of obesity shifting more towards women starts to become apparent at and under the GNP per capita of 2,500$. This is the mid-point of the lower middle class category, and supports the opinion that obesity is directly correlated to lack of education and access to healthy food and exercise opportunities. These results display the urgent need for our nation to continue working towards increasing education about the risks of obesity - and raising awareness about the alarming pace this disease is increasing, and increasing access to healthy lifestyles through nutritious foods and increased exercise.

www.scielosp.org - socioeconomic status and obesity in adult populations of developing countries: a review