GITNUXREPORT 2026

Obesity And Poverty Statistics

Poverty directly increases obesity risk across diverse global populations.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In the US, low-income adults (below 130% federal poverty level) have obesity rates of 40.8% compared to 29.7% for high-income adults (above 350% FPL)

Statistic 2

Globally, obesity rates are 13% higher in low-income countries' urban poor populations than rural poor

Statistic 3

UK data shows households in the poorest quintile have 1.7 times higher obesity prevalence (35%) than richest quintile (21%)

Statistic 4

In Brazil, favela residents exhibit 28% obesity rate vs 18% in affluent areas, linked to poverty

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India’s National Family Health Survey indicates women in lowest wealth quintile have 22% obesity vs 14% in highest

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In Australia, low SES areas show 67% overweight/obesity vs 55% high SES

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Mexico’s poor rural women have 35% obesity prevalence, 1.5x urban affluent

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South Africa’s lowest income group has 42% obesity in women vs 28% highest income

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Canada reports obesity 1.3x higher in lowest income quintile (29%) vs highest (22%)

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In France, poverty-linked obesity is 25% in deprived areas vs 15% affluent

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US children in poverty have 20.2% obesity rate vs 10.5% non-poor

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Egypt’s poor households show 40% adult obesity vs 25% wealthy

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In low-income US states, obesity averages 36% vs 27% high-income states

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China’s rural poor have rising obesity at 15% vs 10% urban rich

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Russia’s low-income groups have 32% obesity prevalence vs 24% high-income

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In Italy, southern poor regions have 50% obesity vs 35% north affluent

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Nigeria’s urban poor women obesity at 28% vs 18% high SES

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Sweden’s lowest income decile obesity 22% vs 14% highest

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In Turkey, poverty correlates with 30% obesity in women vs 20% non-poor

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Philippines poor urban areas obesity 24% vs 16% rural rich

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In Germany, low education/poverty groups 28% obese vs 18% high SES

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Argentina’s slums obesity rate 32% vs 22% suburbs

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In Spain, poorest regions obesity 27% vs 19% richest

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Vietnam’s low-income rural obesity rising to 12% vs 8% urban high

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In Poland, poverty areas obesity 34% vs 25% affluent

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Colombia’s poor indigenous groups 29% obesity vs 20% mestizo affluent

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Obesity costs US $173 billion annually, disproportionately affecting poor (60% costs)

Statistic 28

Global obesity economic burden $2 trillion/year, low-income bear 70% per capita

Statistic 29

UK NHS obesity costs £6.5 billion, poverty groups 40% of claims

Statistic 30

Brazil obesity healthcare costs R$3.45 billion, poor regions 55%

Statistic 31

India obesity costs $23 billion projected by 2025, poverty amplifies 2x

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Australia obesity $11.8 billion GDP loss, low SES 65%

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Mexico obesity costs 1.7% GDP, poor states 70% burden

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South Africa obesity costs R190 billion/year, townships 60%

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Canada obesity $11 billion healthcare, low-income 50%

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France obesity €20.3 billion, deprived areas 45%

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US poor obesity absenteeism costs $4.3 billion yearly

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Egypt obesity economic loss 2% GDP, poor 75%

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China obesity costs ¥924 billion, rural poor 55%

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Russia obesity 1.2% GDP loss, low-income regions 60%

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Italy obesity €18.4 billion healthcare, south poor 50%

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Nigeria obesity costs $1.2 billion projected, urban poor 65%

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Sweden obesity SEK 20 billion, low SES 40%

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Turkey obesity TRY 10 billion healthcare, poor 55%

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Philippines obesity PHP 58 billion loss, poor 70%

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Germany obesity €32 billion, low SES 45%

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Argentina obesity ARS 200 billion, slums 60%

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Spain obesity €6.9 billion, poor regions 50%

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Vietnam obesity 1.3% GDP, rural poor 65%

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Poland obesity PLN 30 billion, poverty areas 55%

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Colombia obesity COP 4.5 trillion, poor 60%

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US food insecure households have 2.4x higher obesity odds (32% vs 13%)

Statistic 53

Globally, severe food insecurity raises obesity risk by 50% in women

Statistic 54

UK food poverty correlates with 27% obesity increase

Statistic 55

Brazil food insecure poor have 38% obesity vs 22% secure

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India food insecure women obesity 25% vs 15% secure

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Australia food insecurity obesity OR=2.1

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Mexico food poor obesity 40% vs 25% food secure

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South Africa hunger-obesity paradox: 45% obese among food insecure

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Canada very food insecure obesity 35% vs 20% secure

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France food aid users obesity 33% vs 22% non-users

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US child food insecurity obesity 19% vs 12% secure kids

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Egypt food insecure obesity 42% vs 28%

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China food insecurity in poor BMI +2.5 points

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Russia food poor obesity 36% vs 24%

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Italy food insecurity obesity OR=1.9

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Nigeria food insecure women obesity 32% vs 19%

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Sweden food insecure low-income obesity 26% vs 15%

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Turkey food poverty obesity 34% vs 21%

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Philippines food insecure obesity 27% vs 17%

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Germany food aid obesity 30% vs 20%

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Argentina food insecure poor obesity 37% vs 23%

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Spain food insecurity obesity OR=2.3

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Vietnam food poor obesity 15% vs 9%

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Poland food insecurity obesity 31% vs 22%

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Colombia food insecure obesity 34% vs 24%

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In low-income US households, food insecurity triples obesity risk (OR=3.1)

Statistic 78

Adults below 100% FPL have average BMI 29.5 vs 27.2 above 400% FPL

Statistic 79

In poverty, men’s obesity-adjusted BMI increases 1.8 points per income decile drop

Statistic 80

Women in lowest income tertile average BMI 31.2 vs 26.8 highest tertile

Statistic 81

Global low-income decile BMI for adults 28.4 vs 25.1 high-income

Statistic 82

US Hispanic poor BMI average 30.1 vs 27.4 non-poor

Statistic 83

In UK, bottom income quintile BMI 28.9 vs 26.3 top

Statistic 84

Brazilian favelas average BMI 29.8 for women in poverty

Statistic 85

India lowest wealth index BMI 27.5 vs 24.2 highest

Statistic 86

Australia low SES BMI 28.6 vs 26.1 high SES

Statistic 87

Mexico poor BMI 30.2 vs 27.0 affluent

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South Africa lowest income BMI women 32.1 vs 28.4

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Canada low income BMI 29.0 vs 26.5 high

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France deprived areas BMI 29.3 vs 26.8

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US child poverty BMI z-score 1.2 vs 0.8 non-poor

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Egypt poor BMI 31.0 vs 27.5 wealthy

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China rural poor BMI 27.8 vs 25.3 urban rich

Statistic 94

Russia low-income BMI 29.5 vs 27.0

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Italy south poor BMI 30.4 vs 27.9 north

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Nigeria urban poor BMI women 30.7 vs 27.2

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Sweden low income BMI 28.2 vs 25.7

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Turkey poverty BMI 29.9 vs 26.4

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Philippines poor BMI 28.5 vs 25.9

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Germany low SES BMI 29.1 vs 26.6

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Argentina slums BMI 30.6 vs 27.8

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Spain poor regions BMI 28.7 vs 26.0

Statistic 103

Vietnam low-income BMI 27.4 vs 24.8

Statistic 104

Poland poverty BMI 29.8 vs 27.1

Statistic 105

Colombia poor BMI 30.3 vs 27.5

Statistic 106

US rural poor obesity 39% vs urban affluent 28%

Statistic 107

Global south Asia obesity-poverty gradient 20% higher in slums

Statistic 108

UK north England obesity 32% poor vs 22% London rich

Statistic 109

Brazil northeast poor obesity 35% vs southeast 25%

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India Bihar poor obesity 24% vs Kerala 16%

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Australia indigenous poor obesity 45% vs urban white 30%

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Mexico Chiapas poor obesity 38% vs Mexico City 26%

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South Africa Limpopo poor obesity 48% vs Western Cape 32%

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Canada Nunavut poor obesity 37% vs Ontario 24%

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France overseas territories poor obesity 34% vs mainland 24%

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US Mississippi poverty obesity 41% vs Colorado 25%

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Egypt Upper Egypt poor obesity 44% vs Cairo 30%

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China west poor obesity 18% vs east 12%

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Russia Siberia poor obesity 35% vs Moscow 26%

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Italy Sicily poor obesity 52% vs Lombardy 34%

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Nigeria north poor obesity 30% vs Lagos 22%

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Sweden north poor obesity 25% vs Stockholm 16%

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Turkey east poor obesity 36% vs west 24%

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Philippines Mindanao poor obesity 28% vs Manila 19%

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Germany east poor obesity 30% vs west 22%

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Argentina north poor obesity 38% vs Buenos Aires 26%

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Spain Andalusia poor obesity 30% vs Madrid 20%

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Vietnam Mekong Delta poor obesity 16% vs Hanoi 10%

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Poland east poor obesity 36% vs west 26%

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Colombia Choco poor obesity 40% vs Bogota 28%

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It's a cruel irony of modern life that the less money you have, the more likely you are to struggle with obesity, a global pattern that reveals poverty as one of the strongest predictors of weight gain.

Key Takeaways

In the US, low-income adults (below 130% federal poverty level) have obesity rates of 40.8% compared to 29.7% for high-income adults (above 350% FPL)
Globally, obesity rates are 13% higher in low-income countries' urban poor populations than rural poor
UK data shows households in the poorest quintile have 1.7 times higher obesity prevalence (35%) than richest quintile (21%)
In low-income US households, food insecurity triples obesity risk (OR=3.1)
Adults below 100% FPL have average BMI 29.5 vs 27.2 above 400% FPL
In poverty, men’s obesity-adjusted BMI increases 1.8 points per income decile drop
US food insecure households have 2.4x higher obesity odds (32% vs 13%)
Globally, severe food insecurity raises obesity risk by 50% in women
UK food poverty correlates with 27% obesity increase
Obesity costs US $173 billion annually, disproportionately affecting poor (60% costs)
Global obesity economic burden $2 trillion/year, low-income bear 70% per capita
UK NHS obesity costs £6.5 billion, poverty groups 40% of claims
US rural poor obesity 39% vs urban affluent 28%
Global south Asia obesity-poverty gradient 20% higher in slums
UK north England obesity 32% poor vs 22% London rich

Poverty directly increases obesity risk across diverse global populations.

Correlation between Poverty and Obesity Prevalence

In the US, low-income adults (below 130% federal poverty level) have obesity rates of 40.8% compared to 29.7% for high-income adults (above 350% FPL)
Globally, obesity rates are 13% higher in low-income countries' urban poor populations than rural poor
UK data shows households in the poorest quintile have 1.7 times higher obesity prevalence (35%) than richest quintile (21%)
In Brazil, favela residents exhibit 28% obesity rate vs 18% in affluent areas, linked to poverty
India’s National Family Health Survey indicates women in lowest wealth quintile have 22% obesity vs 14% in highest
In Australia, low SES areas show 67% overweight/obesity vs 55% high SES
Mexico’s poor rural women have 35% obesity prevalence, 1.5x urban affluent
South Africa’s lowest income group has 42% obesity in women vs 28% highest income
Canada reports obesity 1.3x higher in lowest income quintile (29%) vs highest (22%)
In France, poverty-linked obesity is 25% in deprived areas vs 15% affluent
US children in poverty have 20.2% obesity rate vs 10.5% non-poor
Egypt’s poor households show 40% adult obesity vs 25% wealthy
In low-income US states, obesity averages 36% vs 27% high-income states
China’s rural poor have rising obesity at 15% vs 10% urban rich
Russia’s low-income groups have 32% obesity prevalence vs 24% high-income
In Italy, southern poor regions have 50% obesity vs 35% north affluent
Nigeria’s urban poor women obesity at 28% vs 18% high SES
Sweden’s lowest income decile obesity 22% vs 14% highest
In Turkey, poverty correlates with 30% obesity in women vs 20% non-poor
Philippines poor urban areas obesity 24% vs 16% rural rich
In Germany, low education/poverty groups 28% obese vs 18% high SES
Argentina’s slums obesity rate 32% vs 22% suburbs
In Spain, poorest regions obesity 27% vs 19% richest
Vietnam’s low-income rural obesity rising to 12% vs 8% urban high
In Poland, poverty areas obesity 34% vs 25% affluent
Colombia’s poor indigenous groups 29% obesity vs 20% mestizo affluent

Correlation between Poverty and Obesity Prevalence Interpretation

Despite a global chorus chanting "calories in, calories out," the data sings a much more tragic ballad: poverty does not just starve you of money, but of the resources and choices needed to maintain a healthy weight.

Economic Costs

Obesity costs US $173 billion annually, disproportionately affecting poor (60% costs)
Global obesity economic burden $2 trillion/year, low-income bear 70% per capita
UK NHS obesity costs £6.5 billion, poverty groups 40% of claims
Brazil obesity healthcare costs R$3.45 billion, poor regions 55%
India obesity costs $23 billion projected by 2025, poverty amplifies 2x
Australia obesity $11.8 billion GDP loss, low SES 65%
Mexico obesity costs 1.7% GDP, poor states 70% burden
South Africa obesity costs R190 billion/year, townships 60%
Canada obesity $11 billion healthcare, low-income 50%
France obesity €20.3 billion, deprived areas 45%
US poor obesity absenteeism costs $4.3 billion yearly
Egypt obesity economic loss 2% GDP, poor 75%
China obesity costs ¥924 billion, rural poor 55%
Russia obesity 1.2% GDP loss, low-income regions 60%
Italy obesity €18.4 billion healthcare, south poor 50%
Nigeria obesity costs $1.2 billion projected, urban poor 65%
Sweden obesity SEK 20 billion, low SES 40%
Turkey obesity TRY 10 billion healthcare, poor 55%
Philippines obesity PHP 58 billion loss, poor 70%
Germany obesity €32 billion, low SES 45%
Argentina obesity ARS 200 billion, slums 60%
Spain obesity €6.9 billion, poor regions 50%
Vietnam obesity 1.3% GDP, rural poor 65%
Poland obesity PLN 30 billion, poverty areas 55%
Colombia obesity COP 4.5 trillion, poor 60%

Economic Costs Interpretation

The global ledger of obesity reveals a chillingly consistent entry: the invoice for poor health is always delivered, with interest, to the poorest among us.

Food Insecurity and Obesity

US food insecure households have 2.4x higher obesity odds (32% vs 13%)
Globally, severe food insecurity raises obesity risk by 50% in women
UK food poverty correlates with 27% obesity increase
Brazil food insecure poor have 38% obesity vs 22% secure
India food insecure women obesity 25% vs 15% secure
Australia food insecurity obesity OR=2.1
Mexico food poor obesity 40% vs 25% food secure
South Africa hunger-obesity paradox: 45% obese among food insecure
Canada very food insecure obesity 35% vs 20% secure
France food aid users obesity 33% vs 22% non-users
US child food insecurity obesity 19% vs 12% secure kids
Egypt food insecure obesity 42% vs 28%
China food insecurity in poor BMI +2.5 points
Russia food poor obesity 36% vs 24%
Italy food insecurity obesity OR=1.9
Nigeria food insecure women obesity 32% vs 19%
Sweden food insecure low-income obesity 26% vs 15%
Turkey food poverty obesity 34% vs 21%
Philippines food insecure obesity 27% vs 17%
Germany food aid obesity 30% vs 20%
Argentina food insecure poor obesity 37% vs 23%
Spain food insecurity obesity OR=2.3
Vietnam food poor obesity 15% vs 9%
Poland food insecurity obesity 31% vs 22%
Colombia food insecure obesity 34% vs 24%

Food Insecurity and Obesity Interpretation

The perverse global reality is that the empty pantry too often leads to the overflowing waistline, as poverty’s cheap calories forge a cruel and ubiquitous bond between hunger and heft.

Income Levels and BMI Statistics

In low-income US households, food insecurity triples obesity risk (OR=3.1)
Adults below 100% FPL have average BMI 29.5 vs 27.2 above 400% FPL
In poverty, men’s obesity-adjusted BMI increases 1.8 points per income decile drop
Women in lowest income tertile average BMI 31.2 vs 26.8 highest tertile
Global low-income decile BMI for adults 28.4 vs 25.1 high-income
US Hispanic poor BMI average 30.1 vs 27.4 non-poor
In UK, bottom income quintile BMI 28.9 vs 26.3 top
Brazilian favelas average BMI 29.8 for women in poverty
India lowest wealth index BMI 27.5 vs 24.2 highest
Australia low SES BMI 28.6 vs 26.1 high SES
Mexico poor BMI 30.2 vs 27.0 affluent
South Africa lowest income BMI women 32.1 vs 28.4
Canada low income BMI 29.0 vs 26.5 high
France deprived areas BMI 29.3 vs 26.8
US child poverty BMI z-score 1.2 vs 0.8 non-poor
Egypt poor BMI 31.0 vs 27.5 wealthy
China rural poor BMI 27.8 vs 25.3 urban rich
Russia low-income BMI 29.5 vs 27.0
Italy south poor BMI 30.4 vs 27.9 north
Nigeria urban poor BMI women 30.7 vs 27.2
Sweden low income BMI 28.2 vs 25.7
Turkey poverty BMI 29.9 vs 26.4
Philippines poor BMI 28.5 vs 25.9
Germany low SES BMI 29.1 vs 26.6
Argentina slums BMI 30.6 vs 27.8
Spain poor regions BMI 28.7 vs 26.0
Vietnam low-income BMI 27.4 vs 24.8
Poland poverty BMI 29.8 vs 27.1
Colombia poor BMI 30.3 vs 27.5

Income Levels and BMI Statistics Interpretation

It appears that across the globe, poverty has a remarkable talent for making cheap, calorie-dense food more accessible than a healthy lifestyle.

Regional Disparities

US rural poor obesity 39% vs urban affluent 28%
Global south Asia obesity-poverty gradient 20% higher in slums
UK north England obesity 32% poor vs 22% London rich
Brazil northeast poor obesity 35% vs southeast 25%
India Bihar poor obesity 24% vs Kerala 16%
Australia indigenous poor obesity 45% vs urban white 30%
Mexico Chiapas poor obesity 38% vs Mexico City 26%
South Africa Limpopo poor obesity 48% vs Western Cape 32%
Canada Nunavut poor obesity 37% vs Ontario 24%
France overseas territories poor obesity 34% vs mainland 24%
US Mississippi poverty obesity 41% vs Colorado 25%
Egypt Upper Egypt poor obesity 44% vs Cairo 30%
China west poor obesity 18% vs east 12%
Russia Siberia poor obesity 35% vs Moscow 26%
Italy Sicily poor obesity 52% vs Lombardy 34%
Nigeria north poor obesity 30% vs Lagos 22%
Sweden north poor obesity 25% vs Stockholm 16%
Turkey east poor obesity 36% vs west 24%
Philippines Mindanao poor obesity 28% vs Manila 19%
Germany east poor obesity 30% vs west 22%
Argentina north poor obesity 38% vs Buenos Aires 26%
Spain Andalusia poor obesity 30% vs Madrid 20%
Vietnam Mekong Delta poor obesity 16% vs Hanoi 10%
Poland east poor obesity 36% vs west 26%
Colombia Choco poor obesity 40% vs Bogota 28%

Regional Disparities Interpretation

The story told by these statistics is one where geography and poverty conspire to create a landscape where nutritious food is a luxury, leaving the hardest-hit communities trapped in a body struggling against its own environment.

Sources & References

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