Obesity and Societal Inequities

This assignment delves into the complex relationship between obesity and societal inequities. It examines how factors like income inequality, access to healthcare, and social stigma contribute to the prevalence of obesity in marginalized communities. The analysis also explores the health consequences of this disparity, emphasizing the need for interventions that address both individual behaviors and systemic issues.

Running head: SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 1
Socioeconomic Status, Health and Inequality
Institution’s Name
Date

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 2
Introduction
In recent times, there have been concerns about the rise in obesity and overweight that
poses great risk to a people’s health. However, of importance in this paper, is to look at how
socioeconomic status, especially in developed countries increase the potential for such
conditions. In particular, this paper focuses on obesity and overweight in diverse socioeconomic
status in developed countries. In addition to that, it is important to look at various ways of
measuring inequality by use of either socioeconomic status or obesity and overweight (Hill, &
Peters,1998). The concerns about the inequality are not new but have spread and continue to
widen over the last fifty years.
Thus, there is a trend that is important for one to take note. On the other hand, structural
resources help us understand socio-economic inequalities in many ways. Laws, guidelines, and
policies exist within given countries which influences socioeconomic status and inequalities of
those countries. Thus, what are some of the lobby groups that campaign against inequality in
developed countries (Caballero, 2007). By use of various resources such as mainstream media,
they will aid in forming explanations for addressing the problem. Last but most importantly, the
paper will demonstrate examples of these media outlets that can be useful as far as the case study
under discussion is concerned.
Overweight/ Obesity about developed countries
Concerns about overweight and obesity cannot be overemphasized. Biologically, it
becomes as a result of one having excess intake of energy than the one given out, which leads to
deposition of fats and in effect, increase in body weight. One is overweight when he or she has
excess body adiposity. By BMI standards, overweight is having a BMI of the range of 25-31. On

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 3
the other hand, one is described as obese; or rather obesity is having a BMI of more than 30 in
both females and males (Finkelstein, Ruhm, & Kosa, 2005). In developed countries, there is an
increase in these two conditions. There are many factors that research attributes to this increase
in obesity and overweight in developed countries. These factors include but are not limited to
culture, socioeconomic status, policies, rules and regulations among others. Taking
socioeconomic status, for instance, it has various implications on how a person lives, what he or
she eats and the activities that he or she engages in. All these factors have potential impact, either
negatively or positively on his or her health status (Nestle et al.,1998).
In developed countries, there exist three groups that can be categorized as classes. These
are the rich, or upper class, also known as the elites. Secondly, there is the middle class, and
lastly, there exists the lower class or the poor. The upper class and the rich live relatively well
regarding to meeting their basic needs while the lower class or the poor struggle to make ends
meet (Hatzenbuehler, Phelan, & Link, 2013). Therefore, living healthy entails many aspects
which include being able to purchase healthy foodstuff. Research indicates that cheap goods or
foodstuff in developed countries are mostly junky foods rich in sugar contents that pose serious
threat to healthy and proper body weight of a person (Candib, 2007). Thus, the inequality, and in
effect, socioeconomic status is a risk factor in lower class of becoming obese and overweight for
they are unable to afford expensive and healthy food. On the other hand, this does not suggest
that the elite or middle class live any better if recent research is anything to go by (Brownell, &
Warner, 2009). It appears that culture does not spare them either as they tend to prefer foods that
are not healthy or this is causing an alarming rate of overweight and obese in developed
countries.
Measuring Inequality

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 4
Inequalities in developed countries or any other society can be measured by use of
various indicators. To start with educational attainment, this measure is vital as it represents the
position that a person is ranked in society. Additionally, it determines the income and skills that
one possesses. Thus, in determining the inequality of a country, it is crucial to look at the
education level of her citizens (Diderichsen, Whitehead, & Burström, 2001). Lastly, education
level tells of the social class of a person, either among the elites or illiterate, with knowledge
come wisdom, and therefore, this is an important element that tells the state of inequality in a
country (Van Leeuwen, & Maas, 2010). Another way of measuring inequality is by use of
income. It represents the amount of salary or wages one gets and his financial ability. In showing
inequality, income is important in dividing people into various groups, that is, those able to live a
decent life and those not able to live a decent life. In addition to that, there is also wealth (Boero,
2009). This represents the amount of income or assets that one possesses; inequality and
socioeconomic status can also be demonstrated by assets or money in accounts that one has
verses those without anything.
Lastly, another way of measuring inequality is by use of poverty indicators. This is vital
in the sense that those below the poverty line are of different class from those above the poverty
line and the gap comes out clearly when looking at the things that they can afford (Metzl, &
Hansen, 2014). On the other hand, obesity and overweight is a condition that is common among
people of lower classes and by looking at the number of people suffering from this condition, it
can be an indicator in representing inequalities of developed countries.
Trend in obesity and inequality in the past 50 years

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 5
Obesity and overweight are on the rise for over fifty years in developed nations, and
especially in the United States of America. In addition to that, there is also an increase in the gap
between the elite and those of lower classes (Pickett, & Wilkinson, 2015). Research indicates
that in the last fifty years, there is a trend of people adopting a sedentary kind of lifestyle.
Moreover, statistics indicate that young people, especially students engaging in drinking and
smoking (NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, 2016). This has seen an increase in obesity and
overweight among people in the last fifty years. The World Health Organization has for instance
caution the United States that her adults risk being suffering from obesity and overweight in
coming years if they do not check on their diet and culture.
Structural Resources
Laws, policies, rules, regulations or guidelines are instrumental in governing any state.
They also determine the culture of a particular state and how the society is shaped. As far as the
issue in question is concerned, these aspects have a greater influence on the tax of commodities,
what is consumed by the society, information and knowledge that people have and affordability
of food staff (Robertson, 2014). In addition to that, they also determine socioeconomic classes of
her citizens. Thus, they are important to let anyone understand the causes of inequality and what
are various ways that can be used to seal loopholes as it is evident that it is giving rise to health
concerns. To start with laws and regulation, they determine tax on goods and people’s income.
To increase tax on healthy foodstuff, poor people are not likely to be able to purchase while
lowering such taxes and implementing rules favorable to the whole population about healthy
foodstuff is synonymous to increasing the health status of a given country (Heuer, McClure, &
Puhl, 2011). In addition to that, another way is to put in place laws and regulations that forbid the
sale of alcohol or cigarettes to children under the age of 18 years. It is evident that it has a

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 6
bearing on causing obesity and overweight and putting such measure will see people drinking
responsibly at a mature age.
Moreover, regulations can aid in subsidizing the tax levied on goods. This can help the
poor to afford in buying healthy foodstuff. Lastly, policies are essential in controlling what a
country imports or what it exports. Research indicates that over-processed foods can increase the
chances of one being obese or overweight. Putting in place proper regulation will see imports of
harmful substances being put at bay to save developed countries against canned and over
processed foods. These are some of the ways that structural resources can make us understand
and solve the problem.
Influences of lobby groups
To articulate and raise the grievances that are almost becoming a menace in developed
nations, lobby groups, that is, industry manufacturers, health food advocacy and the media have
a greater role to play in this part. To start with regulations, food industry lobby group can advise
the state on how best to put regulations that will see them go through the transition of producing
unhealthy foodstuffs to healthy ones. In addition to that, food industries groups can be at the
forefront in the implementation of a regulation that advocates for healthy product for all classes
by producing goods that are fit for consumption. In addition to that, it can be the responsibility of
this industry and groups to educate the public on what is fit for consumption, by not only
producing it but also fostering a cultural change. On the other hand, healthy food advocacy lobby
groups can help in pointing out all the groups that violate laws that the state puts in place to curb
unhealthy habit. Another role of healthy food advocacy is in educating the public on legislation
concerning foodstuffs, cultures that are inclusive and healthy to avoid obesity and overweight

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 7
and also serve and consultants in formulations of rules and regulations. On the other hand, the
media personnel’s ought to act in a manner that informs the public on the dangers of one being
obese and the guidelines that the government has put in place to rectify inequality.
Maintaining Inequality
On the other hand, the three resources may interact to hamper advocacy of equality and
rather promote or maintain this trend in developed nations. To start with regulations food
industry, an interaction between the two may make it difficult to have a balance in health status.
In the sense that, those from the middle and upper class will continue to afford the goods they
need, while the lower classes continue to subscribe to cheap and unhealthy foodstuffs. In
addition to that, regulation and lobby groups may turn a blind eye, in that, by failing to raise the
alarm on increased taxation among the lower classes. Lastly, the media has the responsibility of
informing the public, on the right habits, culture that foster integration and healthy living and
obtaining knowledge.
Conclusion
Thus, it is evident that inequality in developed countries is growing at an alarming rate.
However, what is worrying is the rate at which this difference is making people obese and
overweight. Over the past 50 years, there has been an increase in inequality that can be
demonstrated by socioeconomic status. Some of the aspects that one can use to measure
socioeconomic status include educational attainment, income, poverty, and wealth. However, to
effectively understand this issue, it is essential to look at structural resources that are in place,
this include but are not limited to factors such as rules and regulation, guidelines and policies. On
the other hand, lobby groups can play a crucial role in advocating for the widening inequality, for

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 8
instance, by advising the state, or by suggesting regulation that will lower taxes on goods.
Additionally, they can advise the public on the habits that are healthy and do not lead to obesity
and overweight. On the other hand, it is possible for some structure to integrate and maintain the
inequality, for example, by advocating for laws that promote inequality.

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 9
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content analysis. Journal of health communication, 16(9), 976-987.

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 10
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Appendix
Robertson, A. (2014). Obesity and inequities. Guidance for addressing inequities in
overweight and obesity.
Pickett, K. E., & Wilkinson, R. G. (2015). Income inequality and health: a causal
review. Social Science & Medicine, 128, 316-326.

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, HEALTH AND INEQUALITY 11
Metzl, J. M., & Hansen, H. (2014). Structural competency: Theorizing a new medical
engagement with stigma and inequality. Social Science & Medicine, 103, 126-133.
NCD Risk Factor Collaboration. (2016). Trends in adult body-mass index in 200 countries
from 1975 to 2014: a pooled analysis of 1698 population-based measurement studies
with 19· 2 million participants. The Lancet, 387(10026), 1377-1396.
Heuer, C. A., McClure, K. J., & Puhl, R. M. (2011). Obesity stigma in online news: a visual
content analysis. Journal of health communication, 16(9), 976-987.
Boero, N. (2009). Fat kids, working moms, and the “epidemic of obesity”: Race, class, and
mother blame. The fat studies reader, 113-119.