The Growing Concern of Poverty in the United States: an exploration of food prices and poverty on obesity rates for low-income citizens

Authors

Catherine Gillespie, University of Notre DameFollow
Kathy Gray, University of Notre DameFollow
Ethan Bailey, University of Notre DameFollow
John Zivalich, University of Notre DameFollow

Abstract

Studies demonstrate the link between income and obesity, determining factors to explain the strong correlation between high body mass index and low socioeconomic status. Many focus on uncovering predictors but few use a systems approach: identifying the interaction among predictors and their relative magnitude concerning obesity. This study asks: do poverty or food price indicators have a statistically stronger relationship with obesity?

By collecting data, evaluating trends, and analyzing statistics, this study extends research by revealing a stronger relationship between obesity and food prices as opposed to obesity and poverty.

Recommended Citation

Gillespie, Catherine; Gray, Kathy; Bailey, Ethan; and Zivalich, John (2011) "The Growing Concern of Poverty in the United States: an exploration of food prices and poverty on obesity rates for low-income citizens," Undergraduate Economic Review: Vol. 8: Iss. 1, Article 17.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol8/iss1/17