Obesity is coined in the American Heritage Dictionary as a condition that increases body weight caused by an excessive accumulation of body fat. According to researchers, there are three main causes of obesity: genetics, lack of exercise, and/or a lack of healthy food in one’s diet. 1 Genetics is a contributing factor to obesity, but studies show that a mere one percent of obesity is caused by hormonal changes. 2 The second cause of obesity is one that is consistently up for debate. There is enough proof that children and adults in the 21st century lack in an adequate amount of physical exercise.3 But why? Our environment in America does not promote a physically active, healthy life, but rather promotes obesity. 3 More specifically, a lack
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9,10,13 This threat to the validity of obesity research raises the question of whether low income neighborhoods are really food insecure and what is the “true” description of food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined and broadly measured as food deprivation in the United States. 6 Realistically, low income neighborhoods are not food deprived - they have food - but it is not nutritious. Further research in local low income communities will determine what residents consider to be food insecure and it’s connection to obesity. Nevertheless, it is obvious that there is some relationship between food insecurity and obesity because of the prevalence rates in these specific neighborhoods compared to middle and/or high income neighborhoods. …show more content…
As the literature states, due to various reasons such as income and racial disparities; food insecurity is also found in low income neighborhoods in the United States.6-10 These are the pillars that determine the relationship between food insecurity and obesity. Additionally, there is little to no literature stating how these neighborhood residents view their available food. Do they prefer the high caloric food because it is the most effective to sustain energy or because it is part of their culture? Nevertheless, both lead to obesity, but how can this be eradicated? Further research will
9,10,13 This threat to the validity of obesity research raises the question of whether low income neighborhoods are really food insecure and what is the “true” description of food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined and broadly measured as food deprivation in the United States. 6 Realistically, low income neighborhoods are not food deprived - they have food - but it is not nutritious. Further research in local low income communities will determine what residents consider to be food insecure and it’s connection to obesity. Nevertheless, it is obvious that there is some relationship between food insecurity and obesity because of the prevalence rates in these specific neighborhoods compared to middle and/or high income neighborhoods. …show more content…
As the literature states, due to various reasons such as income and racial disparities; food insecurity is also found in low income neighborhoods in the United States.6-10 These are the pillars that determine the relationship between food insecurity and obesity. Additionally, there is little to no literature stating how these neighborhood residents view their available food. Do they prefer the high caloric food because it is the most effective to sustain energy or because it is part of their culture? Nevertheless, both lead to obesity, but how can this be eradicated? Further research will