22SU_BI101B-SM-Explorations in Biology

I never knew there were some many physical effects from obesity and psychological effects. Lower socioeconomic status can contribute to obesity because a lot of neighborhoods lack healthy food options and are located in food deserts.

I was never aware of all of the effects that being obese could have on a person both physically and mentally. I think oftentimes people overlook the psychological aspect that impacts people who are obese. Being able to access healthy foods and being educated about what those are can lead to those with lower socioeconomic status being more susceptible to obesity.

I had no idea that obesity was responsible for 3 million deaths worldwide annually. I think it is very important to make healthier food options more accessible and more affordable, as they are usually higher priced than unhealthy foods.

People who have a lower socioeconomic status are more likely to opt for the cheaper options when it comes to food for their family, so places like fast food joints that have large portions for less are usually what they go for most often. Fast food places are working to have healthier options, but usually those healthy options are more expensive and are smaller portions/aren't actually that healthy at all. Not only are their food options limited, they are also limited by the healthcare system because even a simple checkup can make a dent in a family's budget if they are living pay check to pay check. So, if they aren't regularly getting blood taken or getting weighed, they may not know that they are obese and putting their body at risk for health issues. Exercise also takes time which people in the working class don't have much of which poses yet another obstacle for those in the lower class when it comes to having opportunities to live a healthier life.

Learning more about the medical effects of obesity was interesting. I didn't realize there were certain cancers that people with obesity were more likely to get. Healthier foods need to be more affordable and accessible to the public. Also creating places and programs that help people without costing money.

Healthier food is typically more expensive, which leads to people leaning towards cheaper options. That’s one of reasons that people of a lower socioeconomic status can be more susceptible to obesity.

Also, more attention should be payed towards the psychological effects of obesity. The diagram really brought it to attention, but obesity, as well as any other persistent bodily changes, can really have an affect on one’s perspective of self…

Never knew the numbers behind obesity but learned a lot of information from the presentation about it. Just thought 3 million deaths worldwide is from obesity is crazy.