For this paper I have selected to study the relationship between specific socioeconomic factors and obesity. I have decided to study this topic because I believe that obesity is becoming a serious worldwide epidemic. In doing this research, I aspire to explain which socioeconomic factors affect an individual's ability to achieve good health.
Full Literature Review.
After some initial research on the topic at hand, I have come across four main conclusions regarding the causes of obesity: low socioeconomic status, level of education achieved, age, and the role of the federal nutrition programs in schools.
One group of scholars reported that low socioeconomic status is a main reason for obesity. (Low, USDA, O'Hill, Fleischhacker, Larson, Simon). Poverty rates and obesity were evaluated throughout 3,139 counties in America. In contrast to international trends, people in America who live in the poverty-dense counties are those most prone to obesity. Counties with poverty rates of greater than 35% have obesity rates 145% greater than wealthy counties (Low S). Low-income areas are often called "food deserts", or regions in which access to fresh food is difficult. A study done by the USDA revealed 43% of households with incomes below the poverty line ($21,756) are food insecure. Furthermore, 14% of U.S. counties have more than 1 in 5 individuals use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (USDA). With low SES comes violence and gang activity. When violence surrounds you, most people would like to stay safely indoors rather than go outside to get exercise and run the risk of being a victim of violent behavior. In the same way, lower income regions are less likely to have the facilities to accommodate people living near them and people are less likely to be able to afford exercise equipment, athletic shoes, or a gym membership (O'Hill). In low socioeconomic communities fast food establishments are of greater accessibility, especially near schools (Fleischhacker et al.
