Cally's working title

Health and diet are intrinsically linked. With the health gap expanding, there is an association between those at the lower end of the gap and higher risk of disease. Low income groups have been shown to have inadequate nutritional levels in their diets – with affordability cited as the major reason. But is lack of funds the real reason for eating an unhealthy diet?

Many studies place great importance on eating whole grains, low fat foods and a minimum of 5 fruits and veg a day. The antioxidant properties are said to protect against many conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Yet despite public health information many still consume far less than the suggested amounts per day – particularly low income groups. These groups incidentally, tend to eat foods higher in fats and sugars and it is no co-incidence that this profile is consistent with the consumption of fast food. Many believe fast food to be an economical alternative to home-cooked food … this however, is not true.

Lack of knowledge is not the only factor when dealing with inadequate nutrition. A 1994 study on how people adapted to eating on a low income revealed other important factors. Some were concerned about changing the family diet because they worried about waste, due to the family not liking the new food. To avoid waste, some parents provided their children with more of their favourite, unhealthy, food. This discouraged change leading to increased financial hardship. Others experienced feelings of deprivation from having to eat differently, or not being able to socialise in restaurants. Some families even felt under pressure to eat together, because it was cheaper that way. They did not like this and had feelings of resentfulness over not having flexible eating habits like more prosperous households.

It is often reported that accessibility and affordability are the major reasons why low income groups experience inadequate nutrition. Yet research has found this not to be the case. Of those who did not have a car, 71% did not see this as a problem and that going to the supermarket was not difficult. Additionally, two-thirds did not think their current financial situation prevented them from eating healthy food. Indeed the study showed that 73% thought they ate a healthy, balanced diet, despite not consuming current guidelines on fruit and veg consumption.

It seems therefore that for many, food choice has little to do with income and more to do with likes, dislikes, familiarity and sociological factors. A fatty, salty, take away may be considered a healthy option – the only ‘pleasure’ afforded them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/news_and_events/events_student1.shtml
This BBC webpage is for students, but the advice rings equally true for those on a low income. It’s got some good recipes too!

References:
Dibsdall 2003 Public Health Nutrition 6(2), Schlosser 2002 Fast Food Nation, Mann 2002 Essentials of Human Nutrition, Dobson 1994 Diet, choice and poverty.