Women who are better educated and live in households that are middle-income or above are less likely to be obese than women who are less educated and live in the lowest income households, new government research shows
Among men, there is not a statistically significant difference in obesity based on income and very little difference based on education, the data show.
Overall, about one in three U.S. adults — almost 73 million people — are obese, which is roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. Extra weight raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, some types of cancer and other problems.
"There is a relationship between obesity and income, but it's not a simple story," says Cynthia Ogden, an epidemiologist with the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"When looking at these two measures of socioeconomic status — income and education — their impact is greater on women than men," she says.
continued at USAToday.com>>
Among men, there is not a statistically significant difference in obesity based on income and very little difference based on education, the data show.
Overall, about one in three U.S. adults — almost 73 million people — are obese, which is roughly 30 or more pounds over a healthy weight. Extra weight raises the risk of diabetes, heart disease, some types of cancer and other problems.
"There is a relationship between obesity and income, but it's not a simple story," says Cynthia Ogden, an epidemiologist with the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"When looking at these two measures of socioeconomic status — income and education — their impact is greater on women than men," she says.
continued at USAToday.com>>
