Social Status and Adolescent Physical Activity: Expanding the Insurance Hypothesis to Incorporate Energy Expenditure

Abstract

Low social status (SS) is a determinant of poor health status and is associated with increased disease burden. Obesity affects 20.6% of American adolescents, most of whom are from low-SS families. Contributors to the development of obesity among adolescents include sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity. Environmental determinants—infrastructure, policy, and social relationships—influence engagement in physical activity and are affected by SS. Significant declines in physical activity have been documented during adolescence, and adolescents of low SS engage in significantly less physical activity per week than those with high SS. This article briefly reviews the literature on the relationship between SS and physical activity in adolescents and introduces a proposed biological mechanism that may explain that relationship. Characterizing the effects that SS can have on physical activity may help tailor clinical interventions and public health campaigns seeking to improve adolescent physical activity and weight management, thus increasing their effectiveness. This may be particularly beneficial for underserved populations.