Poverty and obesity

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Introduction

Poverty and obesity are very closely linked. In the USA, the highest rates of obesity occur in the poorest population groups. Poverty is associated with lower expenditure on food, and low consumption of fruit and vegetables, and energy-dense foods represent the lowest-cost option for consumers. However, the high energy density and palatability of sweets and fats are associated with higher energy intakes.

Dietary Energy Density

Influence on energy intakes

Energy dense foods result in higher energy intakes overall - list studies on this

Function of water content

The energy density of foods is determined by their water content - energy dilute foods are well hydrated whereas energy dense foods are comparably dry. Affects satiety.

Palatability of energy dense foods

Sugar and fat stimulate reward centers in brain, resulting in human taste preference. List studies on whether this is innate or acquired.

Energy Costs

The Relationship Between Energy Density and Energy Cost

There is an apparent inverse relationship between the energy density of foods and the energy cost of food. This meaning that energy dense foods are cheaper for food consumption then the 'healthier' less energy dense food substances.

Its is observed that diets which are high in fats, sugars and grains are associated with lower diet costs and are an effective way of saving money but still satisfying the need for food.

French studies have shown that for every additional 100g of sweets and fats there was a 0.05 - 0.40 Euro per day reduction in the cost of diet in contrast to each 100g additional portion of fruit and vegetables there was a 0.18 - 0.29 Euro per day increase in dietary costs.

Studies have also shown evidence that in America obesity is an economic issue, rather than a medical, education or genetic issue.

Pricing of Foods and Influence of Income/SES

It is well known that fats and sugars at a very low cost provide dietary energy. Therefore price reduction studies were carried out on alternative foods to investigate whether a reduction in price would see an increase in the consumption of foods such as lower fat foods and fresh fruits.

Other studies carried out include those where an increase on high sugar/fat foods price caused a reduction in consumption. This can then be further enhanced into a larger context and if taxes were applied to such foods would we see any significant change in BMI or obesity prevalence across the population. We may see a reduction in the consumption but does this directly relate to a decrease in weight?

Thus

Are the economic constraints contributing to the unhealthy food choices made by the communities in the lower SES in the developed worlds of today?