The perception that poor people are more likely to be fat is rapidly being disputed as figures now indicate that obesity is growing at a much faster rate in those with the highest incomes.
According to a recent study, obesity which was always assumed to be a problem linked primarily to poverty, is growing fastest amongst those making more than $60,000 a year.
The study, which was presented at the <<>> 45th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention, was carried out by a team at <<>>, and presenter Nidhi Maheshwari, M.B.B.S., a graduate research assistant in epidemiology says the perception that poor people are more likely to be fat is not the case as they found that obesity was growing at a much faster rate in high earners.
Data collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in 1971-74 and 2001-02 was examined, which included information from Americans ages 20 years and older in five surveys, and defined obesity as a body mass index of 30 or above. A mobile van was used to access the neighbourhoods to measure individuals' heights and weights. Family income was adjusted to 2000 U.S. dollars and was divided into income quartiles of below $25,000, $25,000-$39,999, $40,000 to $60,000 and above $60,000. The same income categories were used for both surveys.