Limited Access to Healthy Foods: Lower-income individuals may face limited access to fresh, nutritious foods, leading to reliance on cheaper, calorie-dense, and processed options that contribute to obesity.
Food Deserts: Some communities lack grocery stores with a variety of healthy food options, creating "food deserts" where residents have limited access to fresh produce and whole foods.
Cost of Healthy Living: Healthy lifestyle choices, including gym memberships, fresh produce, and fitness programs, can be financially burdensome, making it challenging for individuals with lower incomes to adopt healthier habits.
Education and Awareness: Limited access to education and awareness programs about nutrition and healthy living can contribute to a lack of understanding and engagement in healthier practices.
Job-Related Factors: Occupations with lower incomes may involve long hours, high stress, and limited time for physical activity, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
Advertising and Marketing: Lower-income communities are often targeted by aggressive marketing of inexpensive, calorie-dense foods, influencing dietary choices and contributing to obesity.
Urban Planning: Neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status may lack safe spaces for physical activity, such as parks and recreational facilities, limiting opportunities for exercise.
Psychosocial Stress: Economic hardships and social disparities can lead to chronic stress, which is linked to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as overeating, contributing to obesity.