Challenges in Access to Healthy Foods and the Rise in Obesity

Challenges in Access to Healthy Foods and the Rise in Obesity

Introduction and Background

For decades, American society has struggled with the challenge of obesity due to the consumption of unhealthy foods that are available in fast-food restaurants. Further, the economic challenges faced by some low-income neighborhoods have created the problem of limited access to healthy diets (Popkin & Ng, 2022). As such, stores selling healthy foods are limited in number, and their distribution framework focuses on affluent neighborhoods (Beaulac et al., 2009). The matter presents the social issue of inequality in access to healthy foods due to the dynamics of wealth (economic capability) and ethnicity- most low-income neighborhoods are occupied by minority groups, especially persons of black heritage (Rutten et al., 2015). The proliferation of fast-food restaurants that are mainly frequented by youths and middle-aged groups in society has increased the rate of obesity in America and the spread of cardiovascular illnesses and diabetes based on increased body weight (Raja et al., 2008). What is the role of the federal government in ensuring that all persons, regardless of their socioeconomic background, enjoy access to healthy foods? A review of the challenges faced by American society in access to healthy foods and the rising cases of obesity in the United States forms the basis of the discussion.

Analysis

Undoubtedly, the study by Beaulac et al. (2009) demonstrates the adverse impact of the lack of access to healthy foods in the United States. The researchers present the concept of food deserts as unique locations with limited access to healthy and nutritious foods. Beaulac et al. (2009) submit that food deserts across the United States have contributed to the spread of chronic illnesses whose susceptibility increases with the rise in obesity. Therefore, the authors recommend the adoption of healthy dietary habits can dramatically control the spread of chronic diseases such as diabetes, whose impact is aggravated by obesity (Beaulac et al., 2009). Beaulac et al. (2009) admit that inequities in access to healthy diets may be traced to the disparities in socioeconomic stability, whereby food deserts are common in low-income locations and neighborhoods.

In the study by Beaulac et al. (2009), the findings indicate that ethnicity and wealth are fundamental determining factors for food availability. Indeed, the government has a strategic role to play in educating the citizens on the benefits (advantages) of healthy eating (Beaulac et al., 2009). Proper dietary habits that involve the consumption of a balanced diet and nutritious meals help to boost the body’s immunity level; thus, the susceptibility to illnesses (diseases) is limited in the scenario (Beaulac et al., 2009). Certainly, the propositions presented by Beaulac et al. (2009) would be instrumental in guiding the policymakers in the federal government and concerned states in drafting policies that would save society from the ill effects of lack of access to nutritious and healthy foods.

Rutten et al. (2015) shed light on the growing concern on the matters of food insecurity and obesity. The majority of Americans feel that safety and health issues arising from the consumption of unhealthy foods can be controlled by implementing stringent measures to ensure that citizens have increased access to nutritious foods that are pocket-friendly (Rutten et al., 2015). The authors, Rutten et al. (2015), assert that the three problems of obesity, food insecurity, and poverty are intertwined based on the understanding that socioeconomic challenges have led to limited access to healthy foods. However, Rutten et al. (2015) offer perspectives on some of the viable solutions that the state and the national government can implement with an aim to offset the challenges of obesity, food insecurity, and poverty. Indeed, Rutten et al. (2015) assert the need for socioeconomic empowerment of American households that have low income. In this case, the government could initiate programs to create employment opportunities in low-income areas; thus, the households will generate income that will enhance their capacity to purchase healthy foods (Rutten et al., 2015). As such, Rutten et al. (2015) posit that the consumption of healthy and nutritious meals will reverse the trend of obesity; thus, there will be a decline in comorbidities attached to obesity. In consideration of inferences from the study by Raja et al. (2008) and the information gathered from the interviews, it is advisable for the government of the United States to initiate programs within the communities that will encourage and inspire citizens to adopt proper nutritional habits that will lead to a shift from the fast-foods to the healthy and nutritious foods.

Fundamentally, American society has to make a deliberate effort to show support and care towards the well-being of each other- fellow citizens- through promoting a culture of healthy eating by consuming nutritious diets. Corner stores should be established in all the neighborhoods, both the affluent and the low-income sections; thus, the healthy-foods store will encourage and trigger the culture of healthy eating (Rutten et al., 2015). In this regard, the health of Americans will improve since the challenge of obesity will have been controlled (Raja et al., 2008). The limitations in access to healthy foods is a socioeconomic concern that should draw the attention of the government (Popkin & Ng, 2022). Therefore, it is paramount for the national government to institute policies and programs that will promote the establishment of these corner stores across the neighborhoods in the United States (Agustina et al., 2021). Thus, the challenge of obesity and lack of access to healthy diets and foods will be addressed comprehensively.

References

Agustina, R., Meilianawati, Fenny, Atmarita, Suparmi, Susiloretni, K. A., ... & Shankar, A. H. (2021). Psychosocial, eating behavior, and lifestyle factors influencing overweight and obesity in adolescents. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 42(1_suppl), S72-S91.

Beaulac, J., Kristjansson, E., & Cummins, S. (2009). A systematic review of food deserts, 1966-2007. Preventing chronic disease, 6(3), A105. Disparities in Neighborhood Food Environments. Journal of Planning Education and

Popkin, B. M., & Ng, S. W. (2022). The nutrition transition to a stage of high obesity and noncommunicable disease prevalence dominated by ultra‐processed foods is not inevitable. Obesity Reviews, 23(1), e13366.

Raja, S., Ma, C., & Yadav, P. (2008). Beyond Food Deserts: Measuring and Mapping Racial Research, 27(4), 469–482. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X08317461

Rutten, L. J. F., Yaroch, A. L., Colón-Ramos, U., Johnson-Askew, W., & Story, M. T. (2015, June 27). Poverty, food insecurity, and obesity: A conceptual framework for research, practice, and policy. Experts@Minnesota. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://experts.umn.edu/en/publications/poverty-food-insecurity-and-obesity-a-conceptual-framework-for-re