Does Poverty Make People Obese - Research Paper Example

The article is essential in my research because it outlines the causes for the relationship between poverty and obesity based on lifestyle patterns. This way, the lifestyle that contributes to obesity, among the poor population, is clear and some steps can be taken to solve the problem. My argument is based on the obesity-lifestyle correlation among the poor, which can be altered to avoid this condition that continues to cost governments and individuals in terms of medical care.

Drewnowski, A. & Specter, S. E. (2004). Poverty and obesity: The role of energy density and energy costs. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 79 (1), 6-16.

This is a journal review that focuses on the relationship between diet quality and dietary energy quality. The review supports the point that the highest rates of obesity occur among the poor groups. The paper also analyzes the inverse relationship between energy density and energy cost. There is evidence that energy-dense foods, with refined grain, added sugars, or fats are the cheapest options for poor consumers. The review also supports the fact that food insecurity and poverty are connected to low food expenditure; with low fruits, low vegetables, and lower diet quality.

This connection will be critical in discussing the connection between poverty and obesity in my research. It gives a chance to review how economic factors and consumption of high energy density foods contribute to obesity among the poor people, who go for this cheap choice. My argument is that consumption of high fat and sugar added cheap foods comes as a result of a lower percentage of poor people’s disposable income on food.



Caballero, B. (2007). The global epidemic of obesity: An overview. Epidemiology Review, 29 (1), 1–5.

This source is a journal article, which gives a background of obesity as a global concern. Obesity is a health burden that has cost governments and individuals resources on medical services. The condition of obesity is purely a lifestyle condition that can be checked. However, checking this condition requires resources because it involves dietary discipline and exercise which are expensive for the poor.

In my research, this article gives key information regarding the connection between obesity and poverty and how this has captured global attention. In my paper, I focus on the fact that obesity is a global issue which if checked; will lives and resources.





Kuo, L. E., Kitlinska, J. B., Tilan, J. U., et al. (2007). Neuropeptide Y acts directly in the periphery of fat tissue and mediates stress-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. Nat. Med., 13 (7), 803–11.

This journal article is based on metabolic reactions and biological functions induced by stress. Obesity is associated with stress, which is prevalent among the poor. Poor people are prone to stress, and they lack money to visit psychiatrists or relax at a picnic. There are metabolic changes that occur in a stressed person hence the retention of excess fats and overeating syndrome.

This article is important in my research because I relied on the point that stressed people are obese and most stressed people are poor. My research supports the point that majority of poor people are stressed and, thus are exposed to stress-induced obesity.



Saylor, C. P. (2006). Weight loss, exercise, and health research. Commack, N.Y: Nova Science Publishers.

This is a book that reviews the connection between exercise and health. Obesity is a condition that can be checked if people engage in sports and other physical activities. Most of these physical activities today are available in clubs. One has, however, to buy subscriptions to these sports clubs, and poor people lack money to do so.

This is important in my research because I argue that exercise reduces body weight and mass. However, poor people have no money to subscribe to sports clubs or time to engage in such activities because they are always toiling. Therefore, instead of poor people engaging in healthy physical activities, they spend time eating, drinking, and smoking hence exposing them to obesity.