Obesity In Low Income Community

People who live in poverty are more likely to become obese. .

An individual’s income or lack thereof can cause them to become obese. In an article from Food Research and Action Center, or FRAC, its said “Wages were inversely related to BMI and obesity in a nationally representative sample of more than 6,000 adults – meaning, those with low wages had increased BMI as well as increased chance of being obese” (2015). When an individual makes low wages they have to live in low-income communities which increase the factors that contribute to obesity. The first contributing factor in obesity in impoverished communities is there are fewer supermarkets, some communities do not even have a supermarket at all available to its residents. Do to the

Some argue that the research done on food deserts is not accurate, due to the fact that residence who do have grocery stores within miles from their homes still do not utilize them and do not always buy the fresh produce Low income communities often lack full service markets where fresh produce, grains, and dairy are offered. Food Research and Action Center explains “One of the most comprehensive reviews of U.S. studies examining neighborhood disparities in food access found that neighborhood residents with better access to supermarkets and limited access to convenience stores tend to have healthier diets and reduced risk for obesity” (2015). This proves if families in impoverish neighborhoods had more access to healthier options there would be less obesity issues in these low income communities. Again others argue that healthy food options do not cost more than the alternatives which cause obesity. The Institute for Natural Healing says “If you are poor and hungry, you are obviously going to buy the cheapest calories you can find. And in today’s world, the cheapest calories come from junk foods – whether those foods are found at the grocery store, the gas station, or in the fast food restaurant, conveniently located just down the street” (2011). As a result of junk food being cheaper than the healthier options, individuals will choose the junk food because of the price. This will result in weight gain over time. Another argument is that the lack of safe parks is not an issue contributing to obesity. If an individual does not receive the daily required physical activity needed it can result in becoming obese. According to the Food Research and Action Center “Crime, traffic, and unsafe playground equipment are common barriers to physical activity in low-income communities. Because of these and other safety concerns, children and adults alike are more likely to stay indoors and engage in sedentary