The Paradox of Hunger and Obesity

Hunger persists in a prosperous America with 14 million children (one child in five) living in food insecure homes. Meanwhile, as reported elsewhere in this issue, childhood obesity has increased rapidly. As reported by the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), during the period 1988 through 1994, 11 percent of all children ages 6 to 18 were overweight. This compares to 4.3 percent during the previous survey, conducted from 1963 to 1970. Most of this astonishing increase occurred during a 10-year period of time.

These trends, difficult to understand as they are, have attracted controversy due to the assertion published by the Heritage Foundation that childhood obesity is more frequent among low-income families than among other economic groups.

Here is a summary of the latest data.

• All populations of children regardless of socioeconomic status contain children who are overweight.
• The rate of overweight children among low-income preschool children is similar to the general population, according to the Pediatric Nutrition Surveillance Survey conducted in 1999.
• The latest National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted from 1988-1994, found that the rise in overweight children over the past two decades occurred regardless of socioeconomic or ethnic background. It found there to be no relationship between weight and income status among Mexican-American or non-Hispanic black children.
• A decrease in physical activity is a key reason for the startling increase in obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• A recent USDA analysis of children found no correlation between weight and income, but suggests that those in low-income families may disproportionately face socioeconomic conditions that limit their control over factors that influence weight.

For example, poor urban children may face difficulties in getting exercise due to outside play areas that may not be safe. Families with limited budgets face additional challenges in putting healthy food on the table. Coping with food insecurity often leads to greater reliance on high fat foods, particularly during times when families experience a food shortage (such as when food stamps run out at the month’s end). One Minnesota sample noted that children at risk of hunger consumed more sugared drinks than children who were not at risk.

Another variable is the availability of information about good nutrition. According to the Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology, limited income and food insecurity are associated with low intakes of fruits and vegetables. This is a problem that Mary-Jo Langston, coordinator of the Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network, is working to correct. According to Langston, "The educational component in WIC, Head Start and Cooperative Extension Agencies can make a difference. So can healthy eating tips passed along to families by volunteers at food cupboards and pantries. And greater economic security also has a positive impact since it allows the family to make healthier food choices."

The epidemic of childhood obesity carries many health risks including glucose intolerance, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, sleep apnea, and orthopedic problems. It is a major public health problem that affects every income level. More exercise, better nutrition education, and greater food security are all part of the solution.

-- By Sue N. Mitchem, Communications Coordinator, Pennsylvania Hunger Action Center