Sunday, February 21, 2016

Socioeconomic status and obesity

    Socioeconomic Status and Prevalence of Obesity and Diabetes in a Mexican American Community      
      Studies have recently shown that the Mexican American population is at a higher risk for obesity and diabetes. A study was done in Cameron County, Texas from 2004 to 2007 to find more data to analyze the results of previous research. This study, which documented a county near the border of Mexico, surveyed a population of 810 Mexican Americans between the ages of 35 and 64. There are many factors that can affect obesity including economic class and the culture of the surrounding area. The areas bordering Mexico have some of the highest rates of obesity in the country.

            The 810 participants in the study were broken in to four socioeconomic groups in order to determine how much economic class affected obesity. The study showed that participants in the lower socioeconomic class had significantly higher chances of having undiagnosed diabetes, while those in higher classes were less likely. Also, higher income had a positive impact on health in this particular community. The graph below shows the percentage of participants with diabetes compared to age and socioeconomic status.


          Studies have also shown across the country that obesity can be affected by economic status. Many factors can support this conclusion, but one in particular is that cheap food is often very unhealthy. From this study we should continue to make healthy food more available and affordable in order to become a healthier society. 

Fisher-Hoch, S. P., Rentfro, A. R., Salinas, J. J., Pérez, A., Brown, H. S., Reininger, B. M., ... & Hanis, C. M. (2010). Socioeconomic status and prevalence of obesity and diabetes in a Mexican American community, Cameron County, Texas, 2004–2007. Prev Chronic Dis7(3), A53.

I have acted with honesty and integrity in producing this work and am unaware of anyone who has not. 
Jolene Klenzendorf 


3 comments:

  1. Did the article mention any other factors that may lead to a higher risk of developing obesity? Obviously it focuses on socioeconomic status, but usually, there are more factors involved. Whether it be cultural, geographical, or simply family history.

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  2. I wonder if there is any sort of correlation to this issue and food deserts, or access to grocery stores.

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  3. It would be interesting to see a map of proximity to fast food restaurants, and see if there was any correlation between the two.

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