A recent study showed a link between home prices and obesity; the less expensive the neighborhood, the higher the rate of obesity. An article and comments in the Tribune give various explanations including the lack of availability of healthy foods and safe places to play and exercise. This is a complex issue so I’d like to add a few more.

1. The stress of living on a tight budget may lead to comfort eating (and perhaps even cause biochemical “survival mechanisms” to kick in).
2. Less time for food preparation and physical activity.
3. Fewer role models for healthy lifestyles.
4. Cultural norms about what is a healthy weight.
5. Food insecurity - inconsistent incomes and/or an unreliable food supply may lead to overeating whenever there is an opportunity.
6. When property, homes, cars and other things are too expensive, food is a relatively cheap way to experience “abundance.”

Once again we see that obesity isn’t simply the result of what people eat but WHY they eat in the first place.

Send your questions to Michelle May, M.D. at info@amihungry.com or visit http://www.amihungry.com.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 11th, 2007 at 2:42 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.