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Running Head: UNDERPRIVELIGED AND OBESE 0

Underprivileged and Obese

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Abstract

This paper discusses why in today’s society many underprivileged children are likely to be obese. A child’s life expectancy should not be shortened simply because they were born into a household where their parents cannot afford to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. Children are being fed inexpensive food that is designed to specifically fill their stomachs without taking into account what these foods will do to them in the future. Why are these children not being taught the benefits and consequences of their eating choices? Their parents simply do not have time to educate them on healthy eating habits. Why do these children not have access to adequate playgrounds and athletic programs to keep them in shape? Circumstances contribute significantly to the reason these children do not know how to make healthy eating decisions.

Do you ever see that fat little kid and think, “Awww, they are so cute,” or have you seen that same child and thought “Awww, they are so underprivileged?” This can certainly be the case in many instances in today’s society. Years ago, a sure sign that someone was poor was how thin and frail they were. In today’s society, it can be the complete opposite, where underprivileged children are more likely to be fat or obese (Subin, 2010). Children born to underprivileged families are more likely to become obese because their families cannot afford fresh fruits and vegetables, they do not have access to them, and they have less access to physical activities.

Fresh and organic fruits and vegetables cost more and are unattainable to underprivileged families. Canned and processed foods are less expensive than fresh fruits and vegetables, making them a more economical purchase. Not only do fresh fruits and vegetable cost more than processed fruits and vegetables, they do not last as long. When money is scarce, it makes more sense to buy items that will last longer, than items that may go unused and spoil. This is a significant factor in the reason less fortunate families are forced to purchase less healthy and more cost-efficient items.

Access to fresh fruits and vegetables are limited to underprivileged households. Lower income families are less likely to own a car, which makes regular trips to the grocery store more difficult. Grocery or convenience stores in poor neighborhoods are significantly less likely to stock fresh fruits and vegetables than stores in more privileged areas. Some lower income families, especially single mothers, also have less time to prepare fresh foods because of longer work hours.

Lower income families have restricted access to physical activities. Many lower income families cannot afford to pay to have their children participate in extracurricular activities and sports such as football, basketball, soccer, and other activities that include additional costs. In poor neighborhoods, many parks and playgrounds are either unsafe because of violence and upkeep or they are simply unavailable. This is a major disadvantage for the children who are forced to stay inside their homes instead of being able to go outside and play. The lack of access to physical activities in underprivileged neighborhoods causes obesity in children.

Some people may argue that food options are a matter of choice. One might even argue that people eat what they want, when they want, and they can exercise when they want. This is untrue, especially for children, because they are products of their environment. Children do not choose what they eat. Most children eat what is given to them by their parents. If their parents are not teaching them to make healthy eating choices, they will never know how to do so. Also, there are latch-key children, or children who come home from school by themselves because their parents cannot afford adequate child care. These children are forced to be inside all day instead of being able to run around outside due to safety concerns. These children are often forced to eat what is in the house, which is prepackaged, processed foods. All of these factors significantly impact the number of obese children in underprivileged households.

The lack of economic security can impact a person’s life significantly. The earlier we are exposed to unhealthy foods and the lack of exercise, the earlier we may see the onset of complications including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and cancer. These complications can lead to a shorter life expectancy and increased medical costs. Society needs to understand the “cute little fat kid” may be underprivileged and does not have access to fresh foods or adequate exercise, leaving them in a position for medical issues, and possibly a shorter life.

References

Subin, W. (2010, March). The rich get richer, the poor get fatter. In R. Atwan(Ed),

America Now (pp. 101-105, Boston MA: Bedford/St. Martins.