By: Inia Franklin
In today’s society, there is a
strong correlation between low income and obesity. In fact, the
relationship is so high it has attracted the eyes of many
researchers, economists, politicians, etc. worldwide. If you take for
an example the average low income household in Atlanta, you will see
that there is a huge void between what their income allows them to
purchase versus what the family actually needs to live a healthy
life. More than 23 million Americans, including 6.5 million children,
live in low-income urban and rural neighborhoods that are more than
one mile from the nearest supermarket. If you take it a step
further, you will see that the community around low-income households
does not have sufficient resources supplied. These communities, where
access to affordable, quality, and nutritious foods is limited, are
known as “food deserts.” In these communities, grocery stores
that sell healthy foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables are
inaccessible or healthy foods are too expensive.
For example, in the
Bandhead area of Atlanta, there are approximately four corner stores,
three gas stations and no grocery stores in the highly populated
neighborhoods. Therefore, not only can households in the Bankhead
community not afford proper nutrition in their community but also
they have to drive or find other means of transportation to get to a
proper grocer to obtain their weekly supplies. (See US Map Below)
Many a time gas stations and local stores contain foods that are high
in sugar and salt, low in proteins and vitamins and full of
preservations and chemical additions, which are harming to ones
health.
As you can see the
obesity epidemic is a complex issue, which needs prevention
strategies and policies across multiple levels in order to have a
measurable effect. Recent studies have shown that since certain
health efforts have been implemented in schools, obesity rates among
children have decreased. (See graph below) However, there is still an
increased rate of obesity between both young adults and adults. In
order to properly rectify the rising obesity rate among adults, I
believe more grocery stores like Kroger, Wal-Mart and Publix should
start marketing themselves to these communities as way for them to
obtain proper nutrition. Not only will these suggestions assist with
a decrease in the obesity rate but it will also decrease unemployment
and increase consumption. Changes should also include high-level
global policies from the international community and coordinated
efforts by governments, organizations, communities and individuals to
positively influence behavioral change. When there is both a positive
influence on behavior and an increase in spending, the entire
community reaps the benefits of both a healthier and more prosperous
life.
As Mrs. Obama stated, affordability and accessibility are the two hindrances to food deserts in America. At a place similar to Whole Food, one might find a diverse option of alternative foods, but these places are marketed towards higher end customers. The stat about low-income children is extremely depressing and almost nauseating. Affordable alternative food choices at fast-food restaurants have to increase. There is even a statistic that says that McDonald's salad has more calories than many of the food products served. Interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteIt's very understandable to see how obesity and low income correlate. In urban areas just by driving around you can tell there are more fast food restaurants than grocery store. It' also much more convenient and cheaper than paying for a healthy meal. When the price of a water bottle is more expensive than a bottle of coke or when a burger cost $1 and a salad cost $7 its hard's to even eat healthy because you don't know if you'll have a next meal. Something has to change or low income areas are going to continue an increase in obesity.
ReplyDeleteI guess I never looked at obesity that way in correlation to low income families. Not realizing all the dimensions to I would think that high-income families would be at more of risk because they have the income to spend more on fast food then low income. And you were right about the supermarket part, these Family Dollars and Save-A-Lots aren’t cutting it.
ReplyDeleteIt's absolutely mind-blowing and frustrating to see and experience this sort of thing; not only is this apparent in The U.S.A but it is also a global issue and as well. The product distribution of resources that can contribute to a healthier, longer, stronger life are seemingly withheld from the poor and/or subordinate people and given in grand supply to the wealthy and favored. To ignore this atrocity would be to blatantly deny one's own inquisitive, and yet dubious speculations on just how this world revolves. Reading this post screams the idea that the issue of obesity is not simply stumbled upon, self-inflicted, or the caveat of which those with personal issues through society lay their burdens. This post presents a much more darker proclamation. Obesity, like so many more erratic issues can be created and inflicted.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic. I never looked at obesity from this perspective. To add on to your ideas, not only are food deserts causing obesity, but it is probably leading to death among individuals.
ReplyDeleteDid you know that people that eat red meat (bacon, beef, hot dogs) are more prone to getting heart disease, type II diabetes, and Colon cancer! These people can eventually die.
Just looking at colon cancer you find that according to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, a U.S. study on 148,610 people, between the ages of 50 and 74, was found to have a higher risk of cancer in the lower colon and rectum than those who didn’t eat red meat.
Thus, not only does food desserts cause obesity, but it can lead to death from many routes.
Good write up and observation. This particular issue never gets enough exposure as it would undermine the economic factor. Many of foods that high in sodium and sugar have a low cost rate with a high markup cost. It cost less to produce these products as opposed to a healthier alternative. The predatory merchandisers can not afford to have anymore light shined on the industry.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article. Obesity a major factor in the world today which affects many parts of the body. Obesity affects low income families and high income families. Low income families because they do not have enough money to buy something healthy and high income families because they are financially stable but choose to buy alot of food or eat unhealthy. Obesity will never go away because of all the fast food restaurants in the world today.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jon. This is a common case of what we need and what we want as consumers and as human beings. A lot of systems in our economy are set up to subdue certain demographics so that it may see profit, no matter the costs to our health.
ReplyDelete