Introduction - Health Disparities and Socioeconomic Factors in Obesity
Obesity, an international health issue with complicated reasons and repercussions, has caught the interest of policymakers, academics, and citizens equally). Due to the tremendous social impact of obesity and an increasing understanding that it cannot be only a question of personal choice (Popkin, et. al. 2020. However, it is intricately linked to economic status determinants, so the issue of obesity in relation to inequality has been selected. The concerning increase in obesity rates all through the world, especially in economically underprivileged areas, is what has people interested in this subject. Millions of people are affected by obesity, which can cause diabetes, coronary artery disease, and even a shorter life span. It is becoming ever clearer that not all populations are equally afflicted by obesity.
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Numerous researches have highlighted the connection between socioeconomic status, availability of wholesome food alternatives, possibilities for physical exercise, and obesity. Fairness and the significance of structural variables in sustaining this health disaster are seriously questioned by the enormous gap in obesity prevalence and the health inequalities it is associated with (Loos and Yeo, 2022). To better understand the origins of this problem of public health and consider potential remedies, it was decided to focus on the relationship between inequality and obesity. The objective is to provide insight into the intricate relationships between social variables, economic inequalities, and obesity which will result in more efficient preventative as well as intervention approaches.
1. Theoretical Approaches to Research on the Social Determinants of Obesity
According to Cockerham (2022) presented conceptual approaches to the social causes of obesity emphasizes the importance for comprehending the function of social factors in obesity-related research. It emphasizes the importance it is to look at how socioeconomic status (SES), decisions regarding lifestyle, inequalities, and other societal factors affect the risk of obesity.
The primary objective upon socioeconomic status (SES) as an important variable in overweight is one of its primary benefits. This highlights importance of tackling inequality in society in the battle against obesity by demonstrating the significant influence of financial status, educational attainment, and job status on health outcomes. It acknowledges that people from backgrounds with lower socioeconomic status often have less access to wholesome foods, secure exercise facilities, and healthcare services, which can greatly increase their risk for obesity.
Individual-centered addresses tend to put the blame for obesity entirely on the individual, emphasizing variables like discipline and determination. However, Cockerham (2022) argued that it ignores the larger socioeconomic environment that affects these behaviors. It recognizes that people are affected by a complex network of economic, social, and cultural factors and that people cannot exist in a state of isolation. The requirement for a more comprehensive strategy is critical because it encourages scientists, decision-makers, and healthcare experts to go behind the obvious causes of obesity. It encourages a more thorough investigation of the social factors that have an important effect on people's decisions and behaviors, such as availability to wholesome foods, neighborhood surroundings, advertising strategies, and economic gaps. The significance of article emphasizes practical relevance by addressing how socioeconomic inequalities affect obesity and its effects. The article's stated discussion of concepts and theories makes it harder to understand. It may be difficult for readers to distinguish the most important elements due to information overload caused by the inclusion of various research and theories.
2. Human rights, childhood obesity, and health inequalities
This research on the rights of humans, obesity in children, and health inequalities offers important insights into the current crisis of obesity in children and its disparate prevalence throughout socioeconomic categories.
According to the views of Gokani and Friant-Perrot (2020,), there are certain groups that are particularly impacted by the rising frequency of childhood obesity. It stresses that not all children are impacted by childhood obesity and that those who are from less affluent backgrounds are more prone to experience it. The data is essential because it clarifies the structural causes of the health inequality. These disparities in health are consistently related to the political, economic, and social environments where children are raised rather than occurring at random. Designing successful preventive and intervention programs requires an in-depth knowledge of the underlying causes of pediatric obesity.
The growing epidemic of childhood obesity is also related to human rights ideals, notably equality and equality rights. On the other hand Gokani and Friant-Perrot (2020) it make the case that correcting these disparities is an issue of rights for humans since children from underprivileged families need to have an equal chance at obtaining meals that are nutrient-balanced and leading happier lives. The discussion of childhood obesity is expanded from this angle by presenting it as an issue of social justice problem. The ethical implications of tackling childhood obesity from a human rights viewpoint imply that policies like limiting the promotion of junk food to kids might be an evidence-based strategy for lowering disparities and shielding kids from commercial temptations. This idea proposes a specific, human rights-based policy a suggestion.
The article highlights the ethical aspect of the issue and stresses the need to tackle childhood obesity inequities as an issue of social rights and fairness. The significance of states in fostering conditions that support making good food choices and safeguarding children's rights is emphasized (Kwok, et. al. 2020). The selected article focuses mostly on moral and human rights issues, nevertheless, it may offer a few limited practical solutions and policy ideas for resolving inequities in childhood obesity. Incorporating more empirical data and proof to back up its claims and suggestions would be helpful.
Conclusion
The investigation of obesity disparity shows a complex issue marked by wide variations in the prevalence of obesity among various social classes. Multiple studies have repeatedly shown that those with lower socioeconomic status have a greater likelihood of being obese. This imbalance is a result of a variety of factors, including the difficulty in obtaining healthy food, the likelihood of being exposed to bad eating surroundings, the lack of opportunity for vigorous physical activity, and healthcare restrictions. An especially concerning component of this imbalance is childhood obesity. Based on research, children from underprivileged households are more inclined to experience early obesity, which may result in long-term health effects.
Further research is required in the following areas:
Longitudinal studies: Extensive longitudinal research can shed light on how obesity affects people from various socioeconomic backgrounds throughout every phase of their lives.
Policy evaluation: It's critical to assess the efficacy of measures in policy targeted at decreasing obesity disparity. Assessing the results of programs like subsidized healthy food initiatives, expanded access to health care, and educational programs are all included in this.
Community-Based Interventions: Investigating community-level initiatives that encourage people to lead lives of wellness will help lessen inequity.
Section B – Reflection
Deciding on Inequality in Obesity to be the subject of my study focus was both difficult and informative. This topic was chosen after thorough literature research and an extensive amount of introspection. First, I performed a thorough literature search utilizing a variety of search engines and keywords associated with obesity, health inequalities, and socioeconomic status (Chooi, et. al. 2019). The goal was to comprehend the present status of research and spot any gaps in understanding. The large corpus of studies on this subject was disclosed in this stage, which was enlightening. However, it also provided the challenge of narrowing down the precise topic I wanted to investigate after sorting through a mountain of information.
To make sure that the chosen studies matched the study emphasis, criteria for inclusion and exclusion had to be developed as part of the method for reviewing the literature. This process was essential for limiting the literature's breadth and relevance. It was fascinating to see how several researchers framed the problem, highlighting the value of an integrated strategy. Finding the links between the study and my private affairs was one of the best parts of the whole thing. I was personally affected by the subject since I am extremely concerned about social justice and public health. It emphasized the necessity for effective measures and the practical consequences of health inequities.
References
Books and Journals
Chooi, Y.C., Ding, C. and Magkos, F., 2019. The epidemiology of obesity. Metabolism, 92, pp.6-10.
Cockerham, W.C., 2022. Theoretical approaches to research on the social determinants of obesity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 63(1), pp.S8-S17.
Gokani, N. and Friant-Perrot, M., 2020. Human Rights, Childhood Obesity and Health Inequalities.
Kwok, S., Adam, S., Ho, J.H., Iqbal, Z., Turkington, P., Razvi, S., Le Roux, C.W., Soran, H. and Syed, A.A., 2020. Obesity: a critical risk factor in the COVID?19 pandemic. Clinical obesity, 10(6), p.e12403.
Loos, R.J. and Yeo, G.S., 2022. The genetics of obesity: from discovery to biology. Nature Reviews Genetics, 23(2), pp.120-133.
Popkin, B.M., Du, S., Green, W.D., Beck, M.A., Algaith, T., Herbst, C.H., Alsukait, R.F., Alluhidan, M., Alazemi, N. and Shekar, M., 2020. Individuals with obesity and COVID?19: a global perspective on the epidemiology and biological relationships. Obesity reviews, 21(11), p.e13128.
