Higher prices, wider waistlines

Unless the cost of food is reined in, expect to see obesity levels continue to climb.

The Times recently ran a story on the latest obesity survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — a survey that did not make the connection between obesity and the price of food.

U.S. obesity levels have again risen to record levels, according to the center’s study, which found the Southern states had the dubious distinction of topping the list. While some may blame the deep-fat frying of “Southern cooking,” it is no coincidence that the states with the highest obesity levels also have the highest proportions of families in poverty.


The link between poverty and obesity may be counterintuitive, but it is well documented. Hunger and obesity are not at opposite ends of the continuum from poverty to wealth; rather, they are opposite sides of the same coin of malnutrition. As food prices continue to inflate, so will waistlines. And increasing rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and a host of other chronic disease will likely follow.

In many parts of the world, the huge jumps in food prices have added to the millions who go hungry. Even in the U.S., food price increases have driven many more to seek out food banks and pantries that are already being squeezed by higher costs and greater demand. Although one might think that higher food prices would decrease obesity by decreasing food consumption, the reality is that one can expect higher food prices to increase rather than decrease obesity.

…Using biofuels to address the energy crisis is turning out to be a cure that may be worse than the disease. Burning food in gas tanks while hundreds of millions around the world face starvation is a horrific prospect. But it’s not just a problem for poor countries. The inevitable increases in obesity from high prices of food and fuel will be costly in human suffering and healthcare dollars here as well. Along with hunger, rising obesity, diabetes and heart disease will take their toll on the poor and middle-income — while agribusiness literally makes a killing.

LA Times