As the cost of living rises, many families are forced to choose between cheap and low-calorie foods instead of more expensive and healthy foods, says a nature.com article citing various studies. Thus, obesity is more common among people of lower socioeconomic status.

According to the cited source, the cost of living will increase significantly in 2022 due to rapid increases in food and energy prices. Consequently, more and more families are facing financial challenges that will continue for some time to come.

Given the rise in inflation for lower disposable income households, we will see an impact on food purchases.

People in economically less developed countries will find themselves in extreme poverty and even in hunger.

Also, in the context of the obesity crisis that exists today, the rising cost of living crisis could create a perfect storm from this perspective.

Families already have to choose between cheap and energy-intensive food instead of more expensive and healthy food.

As they face financial difficulties, choosing the latter becomes more difficult. Low-income households are less able to prioritize long-term health when buying, choosing and preparing food.

Recent studies show that this is why lower socioeconomic status is associated with a higher body mass index.

If left unchecked, the cost-of-living crisis has the potential to further widen socioeconomic inequalities in obesity, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged families and communities at risk of obesity.

The stress caused by the financial crisis is damaging to mental health, and the well-being of many who experience financial difficulties will be at risk. Poor mental health reduces motivation in the context of obesity and is a risk factor for weight gain in the general population. The point of the material is that many people will find comfort food.

Lack of resources and insecurity can directly affect biological systems, increasing fat deposition and weight gain.

If governments focus mainly on boosting economic growth in the short term, obesity will not only worsen, but is likely to have a detrimental economic impact in the long term.

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