Based on the information from your course text, assess how poverty and food insecuritycan lead to obesity

Based on the information from your course text, assess how poverty and food insecurity
can lead to obesity. What are your observations and/or experiences relating to this
development? 
Poverty means that one needs to allocate a small budget to the purchase of food. Low-
income households cannot afford to purchase healthy food, which is expensive. They thus opt
to purchase fast foods that are rich in trans fats and saturated fats. The result is a heavy
calorie intake that results in obesity in the long run. In addition, poor households do not have
access to markets that sell healthy food varieties (Sizer & Whitney, 2017). Most of the fast-
food outlets are located in poor neighborhoods. Poor people and people who face food
insecurity are thus exposed to poor quality foods. The poor are also unable to create a healthy
dietary pattern that would contribute to the attainment of a healthy weight.
“Where you live matters, and it matters a lot.” This is a statement from the video The
Weight of a Nation: Poverty and Obesity, part 4. Analyze two potential solutions which
could ensure a healthier diet among those living on a lower income. 
Government interventions is one of the solutions to the problem facing individuals
living in lower-income neighborhoods. State governments can work closely with people
living in a poor neighborhood to ensure that they have access to quality food (Evans et al.,
2015). Another solution lies in supporting farmers’ markets as well as community gardens.
Farmers’ markets can help ensure that individuals gain access to healthy foods at lower prices
(Evans et al., 2015). Community gardens can also ensure that people from poor
neighborhoods get access to healthy food options.
Examine potential cultural differences relating to food choices.

Food defines culture. As a result, some foods are closely linked to certain cultures.
One’s culture defines its food choices. When one is growing up, they are brought up
believing that certain foods are good while certain foods are seen to be bad.

References

Evans, A., Banks, K., Jennings, R., Nehme, E., Nemec, C., Sharma, S., … & Yaroch, A.
(2015). Increasing access to healthful foods: a qualitative study with residents of low-
income communities. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical
Activity, 12(S1), S5.
Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2017). Nutrition: Concepts and controversies (14th ed.). Mason,
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