Obesity in Low Income Communities

Lifestyle and Obesity

The fast moving pace of the western society has caused many individuals to turn to unhealthy choices; one being, poor eating habits. In 2012, it was reported that 69% of Americans over the age of 20 were categorized as overweight or obese and the numbers continue to increase (Ivanic, 2016). Obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States  and is the cause of more than about 400,000 deaths in the United States (Verduin 2005). The United States is among one of the most obese countries in the world. These numbers  continue to grow not only because of poor eating habits but also because of lack of exercise. According to Ivanic, this results in serious health (e.g.,heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer), social (e.g., lowered self-esteem, ridicule), and economic (e.g., higher medical costs) repercussions for obese individuals and society as a whole (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017). In the context of public health, national and international institutions are prioritizing the prevention and self-management of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes (WHO 2013). These diseases are the main causes for mortality worldwide and in low income societies. Lower income groups present the highest contribution to chronic health diseases and are at more risk than higher income areas. 

Why

I choose this issue because health is a big contributor towards society. Also, because as a personal trainer my job requires me to be in touch with other peoples health. Obesity is an issue that can be prevented which is why i choose to research more about it. Most of my older family members live with a preventable disease like diabetes and high cholesterol. It is unfortunate that  these diseases could have been prevented with proper nutrition. The way a person lives their life or how their life comes about is a big contributor to a healthy lifestyle. While there are other contributions and factors that help determine an individuals health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, race, income, gender, age, etc. If people become more aware of diseases such as obesity, then we can make better decisions for our health. 

The Community

 "I think obesity is something that many people find easier not to get educated on. It is something that our communities seem to ignore and push aside until the bigger problems come along like obesity, heart disease, stroke,etc. I do believe that since our community is considered "low income" there has to be a correlation between the two." -David C.

 "It is very depressing how statistics show low income neighborhoods to be more prone to obesity than the richer neighborhoods. Also, how organizations such as Mcdonalds, jack in the box, panda express, etc. target the poorer communities with lower pricing on cheap unnutritional food. I have to admit that I did not see how bad obesity rates where until i did my own research." -Violet M

  ”Coming from a childhood where i never got taught about nutrition the right way, it is very hard to switch old habits. I was never informed or educated on nutrition or diseases just like obesity. My mother would cook for the family and no one ever questioned what ingredients or products she would use. I was never taught portion sizing or non GMO foods. As long as there was food on the table, we were happy." -Marta A. 

References

Andrea, Sarah B. (2017)Does the association between early life growth and later obesity differ by race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status? A systematic review. Annals of Epidemiology. Vol.27 (9). pp.583-592.

Bean, Melanie K., Stewart, Karen. (2008). Obesity in America: Implications for Clinical and Health Psychologists. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. 15 (3). pp. 214-224.

Verduin, Patricia. (2005). Solutions to obesity: perspectives from the food industry1^,2^,3^,4. American Society for Clinical Nutrition. Vol. 82. pp. 259s-261s.

World Health Organisation., “Global Database”, 2017, Available online at: http//:www.who.int/globalatlas/dataQuery/default.asp