Obesity And Class

Obesity is apparently becoming more prevalent among higher-income people, according to a new report. But the article also reinforces the challenges facing the lower income population:

"For years, doctors have known that the people most likely to be overweight have the lowest incomes. Fresh produce and other healthful fare can be expensive as well as less accessible in low-income neighborhoods than fast food and other high-fat options. Just last week, a report criticized the government nutrition program that helps feed millions of low-income women and children for, among other things, providing hardly any fresh produce and favoring high-calorie juice over whole fruit... It can be hard to exercise in inner cities, where the streets may be too dangerous after working hours. Many groceries in low-income neighborhoods don't stock expensive fresh produce. And people who work two or three jobs have little time to make home-cooked meals."