FROM POVERTY TO OBESITY: EXPLORATION OF THE FOOD CHOICE CONSTRAINT MODEL AND THE IMPACT OF AN ENERGY-DENSE FOOD TAX
Saturday, October 1 2005
Abstract
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and is disproportionately concentrated in poor populations. This paper explores the role that poverty may play in driving the present obesity epidemic. Current literature supports a food choice constraint model in which one's ability to purchase healthy foods falls with income in a standard budget constraint shift fashion because healthy foods (non-energy-dense foods) are relatively costly. This model is reinforced by a biological preference for energy-dense foods. Theoretically, a tax on energy-dense food would reduce the prevalence of obesity, along with obesity-related disease, and therefore should be carefully considered by the American people.
I: Introduction
Poverty and disease can participate in a vicious cycle wherein each one perpetuates the other. Deprived living conditions, malnutrition, and poor access to health care can advance the progression from poverty to disease. The resultant disease can lead to more poverty via the association of disease with limited employability, high health care expenses, and losses of skills and ability. This can become a tough cycle to break.
