Why are poor people in the USA the ones who are the fattest?

Question

I thought poor people are always hungry and in need of more government help, yet they are the ones who are the fattest slobs around!!
Isn't it time that we take away some, if not most, of their food so that they can at least be thin and presentable if a burden to society?

You people who have never seen a poor fat person need to look back at the Hurrican Katrina pictures. All those poor people who stayed behind to watch the hurricane come in were fat slobs.
Anyways, i just think we need to revoke 90% of their food so their ribs show a little, and they appreciate more fully the free stuff they get.

Answer 1

Because they live off of welfare, and just lay around and eat all day.

Answer 2

Education.

It isn't a matter of amount of food -it's a matter of nutrition and education. Many low-income people, (not all) either don't understand good nutrition or don't bother with it. I live in a very rural and poor area -I'd say the most just don't understand food. You don't live like that because you think it's best. Also, when life sucks in general you're more likely to go for food that temporarily makes you feel good -like junk food. When you are lacking in finances -life can be difficult. -Especially if you don't have the education to manage the finances you do have. -Things just go from bad to worse.

In America I dare say being "hungry" is not so much a problem of the poor here. Food assistance provides plenty of money for meals. Poverty is something else.

We're living about 5% above the federal poverty level right now -because of layoffs and other temporary situations. Food stamps give us all the money we need to feed our family nutritiously. But, I'm educated and resourceful, I know how to manage the little money we do have right now. Food assistance helps our family make it during this temporary time without going into debt or foreclosure.

What is poverty in America? I've been thinking about this a lot lately -because technically it's me and my family. Poverty is a lot of different things. In America, there is no reason for it to include hunger.

When people are unhappy they get addicted to things. The unhappy urban housewife may be addicted to exercise, (because she can afford a gym membership). The poor? Maybe they are addicted to food because it's what they can buy. The unhappy single guy? Alcohol is affordable and available. Pick your poison.

Maybe unhappy people with money can afford to hide their addictions better -or their addictions are more socially acceptable.

I can tell by the tone of your question you have some issues. What are you addicted to? -And, I apologize for be a burden to you. I, personally, am quite grateful that because of food assistance I can afford to buy my family nutritious food during a time I otherwise would not be able to. I'm sorry that some people, because of unhappiness, overdo something meant to be good.

...but, oh yeah...that's everybody.

Answer 3

Poor people are sometimes overweight because they eat processed cheap food. Healthy foods are more expensive and they are not generally educated in the area of nutrition. This question is very mean. Not everyone has the IQ, education, or resources that ensure a good quality of life. The system isnt designed to make success easy or accessible to all.

Answer 4

The reason why poorer people are fatter is because they eat a lot of carbohydrates which are the cheapest food source.Protein is much more expensive so comes way down the list. People eat for comfort too so that could be one of the reasons. Pèople in America are not really poor when it comes down to it. Not compared to Africa anyway.

Answer 5

Have you ever been poor? You know what the cheapest food in the supermarket is ? Mac n cheese, ramen, pasta noodles, salt salt salt more salt carbs carbs carbs. Being poor is depressing, and makes you very reluctant to exercise after you get home from a long hard day of working for less money than you should be getting paid.

Answer 6

Haha, I've never really seen a poor fat person. Where did you see that? Sometimes it can just be genes or the food that they are eating is very unhealthy, like fast food is cheap but can make you very fat.

Answer 7

You don't mince words, do you?
"Slobs"?
Starchy foods and fatty foods are the culprits.
It's called "Po folk food".
Fatty cuts of meat are cheaper. High fat content hamburger is cheaper. Corn pone is cheaper. Beans.
Fat back for seasoning is cheap. Hog snouts, pig tails, pig ears, pig feet, all cheaper.
And if you have never tried them, don't knock it.
Nope. I'm white, so don't go racist on me.
It's nice to know that you are so well off.

Answer 8

I'm sorry but anyone with average intelligence could have rephrased that with a little more tact. It's a generalization. Kind of like all rich people are rude and arrogant. Not true.

My assumption would be that they can't afford to buy quality, healthy, organic foods, so they buy the cheap processed foods like Chef Boy-ar-dee and dollar bags of greasy potato chips?

Who knows...but if you're not going to do anything about this problem, why are you so "concerned"?

Answer 9

Maybe because they dont have enough money to exercise, or because they sit on the streets all day doing nothing..the money that they do get goes towards beer and stuff like that, maybe thats why =S

Oh I just realised what the question said, I'm from the UK oops sorry

x

Answer 10

Your comment is a bit obscure and not wholefully true. You've been getting an incorrect message. The poorer folks are possibly unhealthier because they're not able to afford good health care. The poorer folks may not be able to afford extra curricular activities.

Answer 11

Here's the thing: unhealthy, fattening food is cheap. Healthy food is expensive. Oreos cost about $5 (or less) and have, like, a million callories.