Obesity is one of the major problems for humanity. In most economically developed countries of at least 35% of the population is overweight. The urgency of the problem of obesity lies in the fact that the number of people who are overweight is constantly increasing. Obesity increases the risk of other diseases (for example, hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease) and decreases a range of functions of the human body. “Being overweight or obese isn't a cosmetic problem. These conditions greatly raise your risk for other health problems” (Nhlbi.nih.gov, 2016). Moreover, the study of the effect of obesity on the body, methods of treatment and prevention of disease is certainly the most important task, not only in medical but also in social perspective.
WHO recognizes that the increasing prevalence of obesity among children is caused by the changes in society. Child obesity is mainly caused by unhealthy diets and low levels of physical activity. Moreover, this problem is connected not only with the children's behavior but also with the social and economic development and policy in the field of agriculture, transport, urban planning, environment, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of food products, as well as education. “Clearly, obesity is a complex phenomenon driven by a variety of factors – biological, genetic, environmental, social, and economic.” (Ruggiero, 2007)
One of the contributing factors to adult or child obesity is spreading and growth of poverty. Although it is possible to eat healthy food with a small budget, but it is very difficult, especially when unhealthy convenience foods are very cheap, ubiquitous, convenient and easy to get. The term “food desert” is associated with the poor areas (urban, suburban and rural), where there is limited access to fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables. This is a place where it is much easier get a harmful for health semi-finished products. Shop in the food desert, which sells healthy food, may be at a distance of 10-15 miles, but a mini-market, or cheap shops selling hazardous food, is located next to the house.
In the US, there are a lot of food deserts. The US Department of Agriculture even has a map showing where to find them. In such a situation, to eat healthy food and stay slim, it is needed to spend a lot more time and effort. So it can be even said, that socio-economic status affects the probability of being overweight. According to this, obesity should be seen in the context of the sociological theory of social inequality. In the most general sense social inequality equals to differentiation, where social units demonstrate unequal life chances and opportunities to satisfy their needs. Therefore, people who have a low financial position and socio-economic status do not have sufficient access to quality and healthy food. Eating is a marker of social inequality.
Therefore, it is fair to analyze the methods of solutions that can reduce the chance of poor people to become obese. First of all, it is essential to ensure equal access to high-quality products for all segments of the population. Moreover, the best option would be a total reduction of substandard products that contain harmful ingredients. Furthermore, it should be carried out assistance activities in helping poor people to lose weight because they do not have the possibility to go to the gym. Educational lectures should also be carried out.
References
Nhlbi.nih.gov,. (2016). What Are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity? - NHLBI, NIH. Retrieved 27 February 2016, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/risks
Ruggiero, A. (2007). Public health. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
