Socio economic and modern lifestyle
- 1. HOW SOCIAL FACTORS AND MODERN DIET INFLUENCE FOOD CHOICES S. STUBBS
- 3. THE ECONOMICS OF FOOD CHOICE The relationship between low socio- economic status and poor health is complicated and is influenced by gender, age, culture, environment, social and community networks, individual lifestyle factors and health behaviours.
- 5. Population studies show there are clear differences in social classes with regard to food and nutrient intakes. Low-income groups in particular, have a greater tendency to consume unbalanced diets and have low intakes of fruit and vegetables.
- 6. This leads to both under-nutrition (micronutrients deficiency) and over-nutrition (energy overconsumption resulting in overweight and obesity) within the members of a community, depending on the age group, gender and level of deprivation.
- 7. The disadvantaged also develop chronic diseases at an earlier age compared with higher socio-economic groups; usually identified by educational and occupational levels
- 8. LOW-INCOME GROUPS Low-income groups, who find it difficult to achieve a balanced healthy diet, are often referred to as experiencing food poverty or food insecurity. There are many aspects to food poverty but three of the main barriers to eating a balanced healthy diet include cost, accessibility and knowledge
- 9. Low-income groups, who find it difficult to achieve a balanced healthy diet, are often referred to as experiencing food poverty or food insecurity. There are many aspects to food poverty but three of the main barriers to eating a balanced healthy diet include cost, accessibility and knowledge
- 10. These factors have led to the development of areas known as food deserts. A reliance on energy-rich, nutrient-poor foods is a consequence of lack of money to buy wholesome foods. The price premium on healthy foods also appears to be greater in low-income areas.
- 11. A lack of proper cooking facilities in the home increases the need to eat convenience or take-away foods that have a potentially higher energy density.
- 12. Living on a low income can also present logistical obstacles to eating well such a lack of transportation. Public transport is not a viable solution for many, particularly those with young children or mobility difficulties. Finally, a lack of knowledge or too much conflicting information on diet and health, lack of motivation and the loss of cooking skills can inhibit buying and preparing meals from basic ingredients. Experimenting with cooking is a luxury that low- income groups can ill-afford.
- 13. Education level and income determine food choices and behaviours that can ultimately lead to diet-related diseases. The origins of many of the problems faced by people on low incomes emphasises the need for a multidisciplinary approach to targeting social needs and improving health inequalities.
- 14. Factors influencing food choice are not only based upon individual preferences, but are constrained by circumstances that are social, cultural and economical. Low-income groups face specific challenges when attempting dietary change and solutions need to be specifically targeted
- 15. MODERN DIETS Modern diet relates to ‘Junk food’ that simply means an empty calorie food. An empty calorie food is a high calorie or calorie rich food which lacks in micronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, or amino acids, and fibre but has high energy (calories). These foods do not contain the nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. Hence, this food that has poor dietetic values is considered unhealthy and may be called as junk food.
- 16. A food that is high in fat, sodium, and sugar and provides high calories yet useless in value is generally known as a junk food which the present generation has adapted it as modern diet. On the contrary, junk food is easy to carry, purchase and consume. Generally, a modern diet is given a very attractive appearance by adding food additives and colours to enhance flavour, texture and for increasing long shelf life.
- 17. PEOPLE’S DIETS REFLECT THE TIMES AND SITUATIONS IN WHICH THEY LIVE It is only relatively recent in history that urban– industrial ways of life have evolved, with many or most people living in towns and cities rather than in the countryside. In many Caribbean countries most people still live in rural communities, and farmworker- agricultural and urban-industrial ways of life still coexist in most countries. Such patterns change very rapidly as countries become increasingly urbanized and industrialized
- 18. The different food systems and diets that are part of these diverse ways of life affect the food choices made, people’s levels of physical activity, body composition and physique, life expectancy, and patterns of disease, including cancer
- 19. With the move to urban–industrial ways of life, populations have become taller and heavier, their life expectancy has increased, and they are usually adequately nourished (although poverty, and even destitution, remains a major problem in most big cities). On the other hand, urban populations are at increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and also some cancers
- 20. THANK YOU!