Obesity in Socio-Economic Groups PDF

Obesity in socio-economic groups
Obesity is a chronic disorder involving excessive body fat accumulation to an extent that it may have
negative effects on a person’s health, it can grow in all population levels especially among young
children’s/teenagers and adults. It is socioeconomically distributed in low, middle and high socio-
economic groups; however, it is often more affected by those who are lower in economic position,
additionally more deaths as they are more disadvantaged. But those who are high in economic
positions are more overweight or obese. It is a global issue that has been widely discussed by the
public, media, food industry and health officers.
Undoubtedly, attitudes and beliefs are caused to take place through perceptions, which could be
influenced through both internal and external factors, people who are categorised in high and
middle socioeconomic status are more likely to be better educated due to more resources and tend
to have more knowledge about health, to take precautionary measures against health issues. Their
beliefs towards health issues can be prevented through one’s attitudes, but for this to happen,
regardless of their socio-economic status, in order to lower the risk of obesity people need to alter
their way of lifestyle. For example, a person who comes from a high socioeconomic background that
is non obese can implement these, by adopting certain values, perceptions. Their ability to use the
health knowledge by understanding what certain foods can cause harm to your health that leads to
diseases, They would know that processed foods which includes foods that are unhealthy levels of
added sugar, sodium and fat that can lead to serious health issues like obesity which further causes
heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, In ways they can avoid eating too much of it and
know that a healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables can help to reduce risk of obesity. As well as
income which is another factor that gives them access to afford healthy food corresponds to
healthier eating and lower rates of obesity. By adopting certain values and perceptions, with a
rational point of view, individuals from the higher socioeconomic status can prevent this issue.
On the other hand, despite being in the higher class, there are still people with obesity but the rate
is lower. With access to indefinite facilities and opportunities, along with more disposable income,
every non obese individuals within that societal hierarchy are at considerable risk of suffering from
obesity, due to more income and freedom, which essentially enables them to spend more money on
food without thinking of it’s effects sometimes, they simply spend it to enjoy delicacy and lifestyle
they’re pertained in. However, they are able to manage this condition, as they have access to health
and fitness centres which keeps them fit and healthy
But those in lower socio-economic status tend to have less resources such as income and
knowledge, thereby placing them at risk of suffering from health issues. A person from low socio
economic background with obesity will believe that they are incapable of initiating “changes” into
their lives, and they can’t do anything to alter the way they do things in their daily life as they lack
education and income, hence making it difficult for them to deal with their situation and see the
outcomes they expect it to be. These individual’s inability to know about energy content of food may
contribute to little understanding about how they can contribute to high body mass index which is
an indicator of body fatness, A body mass index of 30 or higher is considered as obese. The lack of
money pushes them to buy unhealthy foods as they are available in cheap price. Research shows
that, on average, healthier foods were nearly twice as expensive as unhealthy packaged food leading
to lower income people being more physically inactive, meaning the person isn’t getting the
recommended level of regular activity, although it is recommended to exercise 3 to 4 times a week
at least according to the NHANES, that showed a strong correlation between physical inactivity and
weight gain