Forbes has cited a very interesting study by the National Center for Health Statistics which looked at data on "American Size" between 2005 and 2008. The study found that of the 72 and a half million adults who are obese, 41% (about 30 million) are well above the poverty line with only 20% of obese adults considered “poor”.
The studies findings contradict a common belief that people eat badly because they are poor and can’t afford better food and point to the fact that “convenience,” and not cost or a lack of education, is making Americans fat.
I have always been sceptical of often touted reasons (read excuses) for people being obese e.g. the aforementioned affordability of healthy food, genetics, the location of fast food outlets and subsequent 'ease' of availability and this study certainly dispels one excuse.
Ultimately we all have a choice and until such time as individuals take a hard look in the mirror and step up to taking ownership and responsibility for making the right (as opposed to "convenient") choices around food the obesity epidemic will not subside too much in the near future.
The studies findings contradict a common belief that people eat badly because they are poor and can’t afford better food and point to the fact that “convenience,” and not cost or a lack of education, is making Americans fat.
I have always been sceptical of often touted reasons (read excuses) for people being obese e.g. the aforementioned affordability of healthy food, genetics, the location of fast food outlets and subsequent 'ease' of availability and this study certainly dispels one excuse.
Ultimately we all have a choice and until such time as individuals take a hard look in the mirror and step up to taking ownership and responsibility for making the right (as opposed to "convenient") choices around food the obesity epidemic will not subside too much in the near future.
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