Inexpensive Food Plays a Key Factor in the Obesity Epidemic

A recent study examines the dangers of inexpensive food items, which are typically not the most nutritious option.

As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that around one-third of the U.S. population is obese, researchers believe that things such as increased fruit and vegetable availability and increased exercise uptake could help provide the opportunity to better combat the health issue.

"Americans are spending a smaller share of their income (or corresponding amount of effort) on food than any other society in history or anywhere else in the world, yet get more for it," the authors noted, via a press release.

Researchers note that in the 1930s, Americans spent close to one-quarter of their disposable income on food. Yet by the 1950s, that figure had dropped even further to one-fifth. Recent findings also support the theory that disposable income spent on food is even less significant, at under one-tenth.

"Examining time trends for which there are data, what jumps out are changes in food availability, in particular the increase in caloric sweeteners and carbohydrates," the authors added, via the release.

The study authors believe that such changes may be due to an increased use of electronic media, cars, as well as a shift in physical demands through jobs and overall urbanization of areas.  

Switching to a healthier diet will certainly be a helpful start. However, researchers note that these "positive" interventions or approaches may not be enough, alone.  

"Although increasing fruit and vegetable consumption may be a laudable goal for other health reasons, it is unlikely to be an effective tool for obesity prevention."

More information regarding the study can be seen via CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.