Obesity and Food Access in the United States

Overview of Obesity in America

A recent press release from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) highlights a concerning statistic: over one-third of the U.S. population is classified as obese or overweight, primarily due to inadequate access to food. Obesity remains a significant public health issue, affecting both adults and children, and ranks as the second leading cause of premature deaths in North America.

Study Insights on Food Access and Obesity

In the press release, UTSA professors detailed their research which establishes a link between food access and obesity. The study utilized data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents to Adult Health, as well as statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to investigate how food access and food insecurity contribute to obesity rates. Food insecurity is defined as the inability to secure enough food due to a lack of available resources, with approximately 15.6 million households reported as food insecure in 2016.

Findings on Food Deserts and Obesity Risks

The researchers discovered that individuals facing food access challenges are at a heightened risk for obesity. Furthermore, those residing in food deserts—areas where residents lack access to supermarkets or grocery stores—also exhibit higher obesity rates. The study emphasizes the critical role that proper nutrition plays in maintaining health and raises awareness about the hunger and lack of affordable food options that millions of Americans encounter daily.

Gender and Racial Disparities in Food Insecurity

When analyzing the data by gender, the study revealed that women are more likely than men to experience both food insecurity and obesity. This disparity is largely attributed to women often prioritizing their children’s food needs over their own, leading them to reduce their own food intake. Additionally, the research indicates that Black and Hispanic households face a greater risk of food insecurity compared to other racial groups in the United States.

Implications for Future Research

This study lays the groundwork for further investigation into the relationships between food access, obesity, and nutritional requirements.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the urgent need to address food access issues and their implications for public health in America.

Written by Nicole A. Brown, MS

Reference: Wright, I. (2019). UTSA Researchers: Those with inadequate access to food likely to suffer from obesity. UTSA Today. Retrieved from: http://www.utsa.edu/today/2019/01/story/FoodInsecurity.html