Obesity vs. Socioeconomic Status

Obesity vs. Socioeconomic Status

 

by: Cristal Castaneda

What is Obesity? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height is described as overweight or obesity. BMI or Body Mass Index, is used as a screening tool for overweight or obesity.   

Body Mass Index (BMI)

• If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.
• If your BMI is 18.5 to <25, it falls within the normal.
• If your BMI is 25.0 to <30, it falls within the overweight range. 
  
• If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obesity range.

What Is Socioeconomic Status?    

 According to the American Psychological Association, "Socioeconomic status is the social standing or class of an individual or group. It is often measured as a combination of education, income, and occupation". Now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for a given height is described as overweight or obesity". I bring both these definitions up because they go hand in hand with one another. Though over one-third of the entire U.S. population is considered obese, there are specific groups and individuals who suffer from it more than others. 

Obesity in the U.S.

According to previous studies high-income countries have greater obesity rates in comparison to middle- and low-income countries. Therefore, the U.S. is on of the wealthiest countries in the world who also produces high rates of obesity. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, "one-third of the population has obesity. while another third is overweight". 

Previous studies have shown that ethnicity and race, more specifically Hispanic and African Americans are predictors of obese/overweight status in their children. It is also important to note that low-income families are also highly associated with the obese/overweight status. 

Personal Reasoning

This topic relates to me so personally because I have numerous family members who suffer from obesity and overweightness. From my own experience growing up around my family, their body images take a toll on children's minds. Growing up I feared "looking" like they did, and as a chubby kid my family always felt the need to comment on not only my weight, but other siblings and cousins as well. I bring this up because I strongly believe that it is important for one to educate their children rather than criticize them. Obesity in children can be prevented early on, therefore lowering the chances of adult obesity further on. 

I also think it is important to mention that in lower-income locations, it much more difficult to find cheap healthy produce. It is not as though they are prioritizing building Sprouts or Trader Joes within our communities. Instead, we are surrounded by endless fast food chains and restaurants. 

Taking Initiative  

I propose for supermarkets and city officials in lower income areas to hold food drives and or host community gardens for families who cannot afford healthy produce. I think this is important because a healthy life and lifestyle begins at home. 

This project would allow those who cannot afford expensive produce, the chance at free produce. I believe creating community gardens would bring communities together and help create a union amongst each other for the well being of both themselves and their children. This would create a common goal and support from one another. 

References: 

"Defining Adult Overweight & Obesity." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 03 Mar. 2021. Web. 13 Apr. 2021.

Rogers, Robert, Taylor F Eagle, Anne Sheetz, Alan Woodward, Robert Leibowitz, MinKyoung Song, Rachel Sylvester, Nicole Corriveau, Eva Kline-Rogers, Qingmei Jiang, Elizabeth A Jackson, and Kim A Eagle. "The Relationship between Childhood Obesity, Low Socioeconomic Status, and Race/Ethnicity: Lessons from Massachusetts." Childhood Obesity (Print). Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 1 Dec. 2015. Web. 13 Apr. 2021.

"Socioeconomic Status." American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association. Web. 13 Apr. 2021.