Obesity and the Economy: A Logical Relationship
Gail Davis
July 24, 2008
Is it truly any wonder that with the economy so depressed, obesity is at an all-time high? Historically, those who are economically deprived tend to be obese. This portion of the population often has to make the difficult choice between money for rent or money for groceries. At first glance, one might think that would lead to lower body weight, but let´s face it…affordable groceries aren´t packed with nutrition. The cheapest items on the aisles are overly processed foods, high in fat and sodium, low in vitamins and minerals!
The interesting thing is that this relationship between obesity and the poor economy is no longer a characteristic of the very poor. Families with average incomes are now struggling to provide foods that pack good nutrition as well. The price of fresh fruit and vegetables is astronomical! Nutritional experts will tell you that for optimal health, most of your shopping should be done in the produce section. A family of four can blow their entire weekly grocery budget before leaving this aisle! What is wrong with an economy where a dual-income family, completely ensconced in the middle class, can´t afford to stock their refrigerators with fresh fruits and vegetables? Everything!
As if rising grocery costs aren´t enough to derail a healthy lifestyle, the cost of staying in shape has risen as well! Granted, it´s not necessary to have gym memberships and fancy equipment to lead an active lifestyle, but many individuals depend on the camaraderie to stay motivated for their daily workouts. One might even expect that privately owned gym memberships would rise. After all, we live in a supply and demand society. The disturbing thing though is that facilities that have always catered to the general public, the people who can´t afford or won´t pay for gym memberships, has risen dramatically as well. The YMCA and the neighborhood Recreational Centers have also increased their memberships to the point where they are no longer affordable for many!
Obesity affects all facets of our society. It always has and it always will. If we stand any chance though of turning around this disturbing trend, the powers that be will have to make fresh, healthy, nutritious foods readily available to all. Free classes may have to be offered to teach people how to prepare healthy meals. Health-care incentives may have to be provided to encourage people to become and remain active. The economy will have to become a priority before this disturbing trend is irreparable.
The interesting thing is that this relationship between obesity and the poor economy is no longer a characteristic of the very poor. Families with average incomes are now struggling to provide foods that pack good nutrition as well. The price of fresh fruit and vegetables is astronomical! Nutritional experts will tell you that for optimal health, most of your shopping should be done in the produce section. A family of four can blow their entire weekly grocery budget before leaving this aisle! What is wrong with an economy where a dual-income family, completely ensconced in the middle class, can´t afford to stock their refrigerators with fresh fruits and vegetables? Everything!
As if rising grocery costs aren´t enough to derail a healthy lifestyle, the cost of staying in shape has risen as well! Granted, it´s not necessary to have gym memberships and fancy equipment to lead an active lifestyle, but many individuals depend on the camaraderie to stay motivated for their daily workouts. One might even expect that privately owned gym memberships would rise. After all, we live in a supply and demand society. The disturbing thing though is that facilities that have always catered to the general public, the people who can´t afford or won´t pay for gym memberships, has risen dramatically as well. The YMCA and the neighborhood Recreational Centers have also increased their memberships to the point where they are no longer affordable for many!
Obesity affects all facets of our society. It always has and it always will. If we stand any chance though of turning around this disturbing trend, the powers that be will have to make fresh, healthy, nutritious foods readily available to all. Free classes may have to be offered to teach people how to prepare healthy meals. Health-care incentives may have to be provided to encourage people to become and remain active. The economy will have to become a priority before this disturbing trend is irreparable.
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