Recently, I’ve been
spending a lot of time thinking about the correlation between race, class, and health.
My interest it these correlations probably stem from the courses I am taking
this semester, which include: Urban Community Health, A Health Equity Internship,
Organic Chemistry, and African American History. I recently discovered that
obesity is extremely prevalent in Memphis, and I couldn’t help but wonder, why?
While there are numerous explanations, in this blog post, I intend to outline a
discussion about the relationship between race, socioeconomics and obesity.
According to the
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), compared with whites, African
Americans have a 51% higher obesity rate. This statistic was mind-boggling.
However, I believe that statistics can be deceiving, therefor I think that multiple
questions should be asked such as what is the statistic trying to tell us? Is
it prompting readers to believe that blacks are more prone to obesity? While I
think that this may be what the statistic implies, I find it problematic
because blacks are not solely more genetically predisposed to obesity. By
looking at the social determinates of health, such as access to healthy food,
culture, and class, it becomes clear that genetics are not the sole cause of
obesity.
Lack of access
to healthy food, and lack of time due to straining work hours and low-paying
jobs make it much more difficult for an individual of any race to maintain a
healthy weight. Pockets of Memphis are classified as Urban Food Desserts. What
is an Urban Food Dessert? According to the American Nutrition Association, ”Food deserts are defined as parts of the country
vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually
found in impoverished areas. This is largely due to a lack of grocery stores,
farmers’ markets, and healthy food providers.” Where food desserts exist,
obesity and hunger often coexist. What explains this seeming dichotomy? When
individuals lack access to healthy food, they often experience nutrient
deficiencies. This explains why obese individuals are often actually the hungriest,
nutritionally speaking.
Memphis
was recently named “America’s Hungriest City”, according to the Business
Insider. Almost 13% of the states census tracks are considered urban food
desserts. Discovering that Memphis is one of the leading cities of obesity and
hunger was disheartening. But it also means that Memphis is a living
laboratory, eager to be utilized by students such as myself who are interested
in learning more about the correlations between race, socioeconomic status, and
health.
Works Cited
"A
Look Inside Food Deserts." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Sept. 2012. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
<http://www.cdc.gov/features/fooddeserts/>.
"10
American Food Deserts Where It Is Impossible To Eat Healthily." Business
Insider. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
<http://www.businessinsider.com/food-deserts-urban-2011-10>.
"USDA
Defines Food Deserts | American Nutrition Association." USDA Defines
Food Deserts | American Nutrition Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Oct.
2013.
<http://americannutritionassociation.org/newsletter/usda-defines-food-deserts>.
I am glad that you included socioeconomics in your analysis. I think that there is a strong correlation between wealth and health, and of course between wealth and race. I'm also interested in whether or not cultural associations with food could be a part of your analysis. I think that there are cultural meanings assigned to food and even exercise. I notice that "health food" usually targets white women in advertising. Why do you think this is?
ReplyDeleteI think that you make a very good point, that the social gradient of wealth greatly shapes and influences the food we eat. Food is definitely a cultural phenomenon: the Church Health Center is currently pouring an enormous amount of energy into teaching black families how to reproduce some of the foods their tastebuds are inherently prefer in healthier ways. An example is teaching them how to make baked instead of fried chicken, and getting them to use greek yogurt instead of mayo. While I do believe that white women are often targeted in advertisements for health, I would argue that we have come an enormous way and that times may be slowly changing. I think that white women are often targeted because we have become culturally obsessed with obtaining the "perfect image" and are willing to expend ridiculous amounts of money to do so. Perhaps black women don't have the means, or the desire. What do you think?
DeleteIn addition, I think it is important to acknowledge that blacks (particularly those that are socioeconomically disadvantaged) do not have access to the same education or resources as whites. I was astounded to discover how quickly black families at the Church Health Center were willing to change their eating patterns/habits once gaining awareness and having the resources to do so.
This is a thought-provoking post. The socioeconomic implications that may play a role in obesity within Memphis are very interesting. Aside from just the lack of "healthy food providers" within impoverished urban areas, I think that the ability to pay for healthy food also plays a large role. Even as a college student buying my own groceries, it is clear to me that buying fruits, veggies, and other healthy foods are much more expensive than processed junk food. Also, fast food industries frequently advertise their cheap $1 menus, which are always enticing. Though your race and skin color do not determine your financial status, it is a stereotype that whites are generally more financially stable than blacks. In response to Huntley's question above, perhaps health food is targeted towards a white culture because of this idea. Regardless of your skin color, if you are living an impoverished life, you won't care whether the food that you are eating is considered healthy - you will consume the cheaper option, happy to be eating at all.
ReplyDeleteThis post is very interesting to me. During my senior year of high school, I completed a research project on Urban Food deserts in low SES ares in St. Louis City. The study produced similar findings as to the cause of obesity: the lack of access to nutritionally rich foods. For our project, we were required to create a detailed, proactive plan. My partner and I focused on increasing access to food pantries. Our plan included consolidating and relocating food pantries so they are appropriately spaced, in hopes of increasing number of clients for a more effective use of space and money. Volunteers would run the daily activities, with paid managers for each location. Most of our plan was based on a current progressive movement taking place in St. Charles, MO. I am very curious about the current food pantry situation in Memphis, because if increased, it could have an extremely positive effect on the current Urban Food Deserts.
ReplyDeleteAlex, while I think that the proposal of food pantries is wonderful, I do believe that there are enormous structural barriers that must also be address. As Huntley said, culture is one of them. Socioeconomics and access to resources that help individuals understand what "nutritious food" looks like is also important. By educating the population about balance and nutritious, perhaps it would empower people to make better choices when given access to things such as food panties. Another thing to keep in mind is that people who are economically disadvantaged are often looking for nutrient dense foods that will leave their family, and especially kids feeling full and content.
DeleteThe final thing that I think must be analyzed is that obesity does not always have to do with calorie input vs. calorie output. In my Urban Community Health class, we just read a article suggesting that people who suffer from obesity also often suffer from metabolic disorders. By addressing the issue holistically, I think that obesity and many of the underlying issues such as access, race, and class could be addressed.