Connection between poverty and obesity - Research Proposal Example

A correlation between obesity and poverty has been established in several recent studies. Though obesity is increasing among all age and social groups, the poorest and least educated are becoming obese at a greater rate than any other group. Possible causation for this has been linked to access to nutrient rich foods, education and the cost of energy dense foods. Foods that contain high amounts of fat, sugar and refined grains are the cheapest foods available to many consumers. A diet consisting of these foods can actually allow a person to spend less and eat more if perishable foods are eliminated from the diet (Drewnowski, 2009).

Poor individuals choose these foods because they provide energy at the lowest cost. The poor nutrition associated with these foods can lead to a number of health problems, including weight gain. People living in areas of poverty have a more difficult time accessing food that is nutritious as well. Baker (2006) suggests that auditing tools utilized to determine access to grocery chains providing fresh fruits and vegetable show individuals in poor neighborhoods are underserved. Access to fast food, however is higher in poor neighborhoods than it is in affluent areas.

Finally, a connection has been found between the education level of the mother and children that are obese (Reilly, 2005). Lower education levels generally mean a lower economic status, but not always. This study found that the level of education, not economic status is a better indicator as to whether or not children will grow to be obese. Maternal education level has been show to affect food choice and understanding of nutrition.Work CitedBaker, E. (2006). The role of race and poverty in access to foods that enable individuals to adhere to dietary guidelines.

Preventing Chronic Disease, 3:A76-A80.Drewnowski, A. (2009), Obesity, diets, and social inequalities. Nutrition Reviews, 67: S36–S39. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00157.xReilly, J. (2005) Early life risk factors for obesity in childhood: cohort study. BMJ 2005; 330 doi: 10.1136/bmj.38470.670903.E0