Obesity is a disease that many
struggle with on a day to day basis and have struggled with their entire life.
Obesity added to their already stressful lifestyle, it’s no wonder why people
are living the way that do. Contrary to popular belief, obesity is hardly ever
caused by greed. In fact, some people over eat out of fear about not knowing
where their next meal is coming from. Then there are some that eat to forget
about other things. Food addiction can be just a serious as drug addiction. According
to Hedwig Lee, from the University of Washington, the United States is facing
an “obesity epidemic.” The obesity growth is at a steady rate. Hedwig says “Obesity
is especially rampant among Americans with the lowest levels of education and
the highest poverty rates” (Hedwig, 2012).
It
is easy to say eat right and engage in is regular physical activity if you have
the means in which to do so. For children, it is even more difficult because
they are heavily influenced by their families and the community. Impoverished
living conditions are a great deal for the young because they allow many
barriers to engaging in healthy behavior (Hedwig, 2012). Families with lower
incomes have to limit the choices due to a limited budget. In some cases, the
availability of assistance runs out before the month is over leading to
unhealthy behaviors. According to Hedwig, these are some of the reasons why the
risk of obesity is grater for lower income families:
- Families choose high-fat foods dense with energy – foods such as sugars, cereals, potatoes and processed meat products – because these foods are more affordable and last longer than fresh vegetables and fruits and lean meats and fish.
- Poor families often live in disadvantaged neighborhoods where healthy foods are hard to find. Instead of large supermarkets, poor neighborhoods have a disproportionate number of fast food chains and small food stores providing cheap, high-fat foods.
- Economic insecurity – such as trouble paying bills or rent – leads to stress, and people often cope by eating high-fat, sugary foods.
·
Families cannot usually afford to pay for
organized children’s activities outside of school – and schools in impoverished
areas are less likely to run sports or physical activity programs than schools
with more resources.
·
Due to inflexible work schedules, lack of
transportation, or unmet needs for child care, poor parents, especially single
mothers, may find it hard to support extra activities for their children.
Leaving kids in front of the TV is often all stressed poor parents can manage.
·
In many poor neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds,
trails, and free public gyms are often not available or safe. Neighborhoods may
be crime-ridden, and there may be no nearby indoor places for play or exercise.
Ironically, parental efforts to keep kids safe and indoors may increase
encourage sedentary behaviors such as watching TV and playing video games.
The sad part of
it all is that so many children are affected by this and it is beyond their
control. It is time for the community to stand up and take charge. The “obesity
epidemic” should be looked at as a community issue rather than an individual
issue. In New York, there is program in place that uses mobile food carts to
offer fresh produce in certain poor neighborhoods. In addition, schools play a
major role. By incorporating mandatory physical activity and strict nutrition
guidelines, they are taking charge on the issue at hand. In order for this
issue to be put behind us, we must join together as a community.
Reference
Lee, Hedwig (2012). Why poverty leads to obesity and lifelong problems. Retrieved from http://www.scholarsstrategynetwork.org/brief/why-poverty-leads-obesity-and-life-long-problems
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