Obesity and Economics...
Two concerning studies in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
The first study carried out by researchers at Johns Hopkins University older teenagers (over 14) who lived below the "poverty line" were 50% more likely to be overweight than their more economically well-off peers. The reasons? Skipping breakfast, consuming more sugared drinks, and less physical activity.
The second study also looked at older teenagers below the poverty line, and found that these kids were 50% more likely to be overweight today compared to 30 years ago.
These are disturbing trends that as of now show no signs of turning around. While it's true that healthy choices should not be limited to the privileged, and as a society we need to do a better job of making better alternatives available, we also need to have better education for poorer families, so they have the will to make better choices, not just the ability.