Obesity in Low-Income Communities

Abstract

The relationship between income levels and obesity is complex. Obesity has historically been a disease in affluent countries. Hence it is thought that greater wealth brings greater obesity. However, data suggested overall obesity prevalence decreased with increased levels of income. This observation proved that obesity as a disease is complex and not a simple calorie-in and calorie-out equation. Low socioeconomic communities suffer from inequalities and health disparities that we need to amend by reforming our healthcare delivery system. We will discuss why obesity is a problem in low-income communities and what preventive and treatment strategies we would need to implement to combat this.