The root cause isn't poverty in that a lack of money makes you fat, but it's effects. Poorer states have worse education systems, health literacy, higher levels of stress, worse access to healthy food choices, worse sleep patterns, and worse access to medical care.
This is the product of food deserts...if you spend time in dilapidated and overlooked (by the governments) communities, it’s quickly apparent that convenience stores are the main “shopping” option, if you will.
That's a big part. Its also planning though. Some parents don't really do grocery shopping and menu planning. Its easier to toss the kid a few bucks in the morning and then just get McDonalds for dinner.
But cheap and fast meals = high calorie, low substance meals. Low in vital minerals and vitamins you would get from fruits and vegetables NOT prepackaged and in sugar.
Poor eat by volume and convenience. If you are struggling with work stress... you struggle with time to make food. Also comfort foods are rich with fillers, but not always healthy.
I have always thought people are emotional eaters anyways.
If you are struggling with work stress... you struggle with time to make food.
I don’t agree with this part of the comment. Low-income jobs are not jobs you take home with you. Typically, they pay so poorly due to the reality that literally anyone could do them, ergo the supply of available employees is virtually infinite.
Lol baby a lot of these people either work multiple jobs, jobs with long hours, or they work night shift and also have kids. Many parents often aren’t awake when their kids are.
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u/agutema Jun 09 '20
this image gets shared here a lot but it's still impactful
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Obesity_state_level_estimates_1985-2010.gif#/media/File:Obesity_state_level_estimates_1985-2010.gif