In the U.S., nearly 1 in 3 adults are classified as overweight and 2 out of 5 adults have obesity, according to 2017-2018 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Many factors can contribute to a person’s risk of obesity, but did you know that research has found connections between income level and obesity rates?

Obesity is a chronic (long-term) health condition that can shorten life expectancy and increase the risk for serious health problems, including certain cancers, hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Financial barriers to healthcare and nutritious food options play a role in obesity risk. However, the relationship is complex: Obesity can also contribute to workplace discrimination and reduced wages. According to the World Obesity Federation, individuals with obesity may be paid less than colleagues performing the same job.

Read on to learn more about the connection between income and obesity, income-related barriers to healthy living, and what you can do to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

What Is Obesity?

Obesity is a complex medical condition related to having excess body fat that can impact overall health. Causes and risk factors for obesity include:

• Some medications
• Environmental factors
• Genetics
• High-calorie diets
• Limited physical activity
• Underlying health conditions
• Poor sleep quality
• Chronic stress

A screening tool called body mass index (BMI) is typically used by healthcare providers to diagnose obesity. The tool calculates BMI using your height and weight. A BMI score of 30 or higher is classified as obesity in adults.

However, BMI alone isn’t always an accurate measure of obesity. The American Medical Association has called BMI an “imperfect way to measure body fat” because it does not differentiate between muscle mass and fat, nor does it account for how fat is distributed in the body.

For a more accurate assessment, healthcare providers often combine BMI with other indicators such as waist circumference, body fat percentage, and overall health history to guide obesity treatment and lifestyle recommendations.

The Relationship Between Income and Obesity

For decades, research studies have shown a connection between income and obesity for both men and women, according to research in Current Obesity Reports.

According to the latest NHANES, obesity prevalence is generally lower among adults in households with higher family incomes. But the gap is narrowing. Studies show increasing rates of obesity across both low- and high-socioeconomic status groups.

The relationship between income and obesity is complex. Researchers continue to explore whether low income increases the risk of obesity or whether obesity contributes to lower income levels. Findings suggest that both factors can play a role.

Low income and lower socioeconomic status are considered risk factors for weight gain and the development of obesity. Additionally, research suggests that weight discrimination in the workplace can make it difficult for people to advance in their careers and earn more money, further contributing to financial instability.

How Economic Disparities Influence Obesity

Regardless of whether a lower income leads to obesity or obesity affects how much a person earns, financial barriers can make it hard to prevent or reverse weight gain. Following are some of those barriers.

Diet Quality

Individuals with lower incomes may face food insecurity, making it hard to access nutritious foods. Affordable options often include processed or fast foods, which tend to be higher in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats — all of which can contribute to weight gain.

Physical Activity

Limited income and living conditions can restrict access to recreational facilities, gyms, and safe outdoor spaces for exercise. Varying work schedules for many low-income jobs can also reduce opportunities for physical activity.

Healthcare Access

People with lower incomes may struggle to afford healthcare or health insurance, reducing their access to preventive care, obesity screenings, and weight management programs. Without medical guidance, early intervention for obesity-related health issues becomes more challenging.

Stress and Weight Gain

Financial stress can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as stress eating or emotional overeating. Also, stress can trigger hormonal changes, like higher cortisol levels. This can cause a person to store more fat, especially in the area around the abdomen.

Community Programs and Policy Changes Can Help

When it comes to treating obesity, individual efforts matter. But so do the resources available within your community.

Many people in lower-income neighborhoods have trouble accessing healthy food and safe places for physical activity. That’s why community programs and policy changes have a role in making healthier lifestyles more achievable for everyone. For example:

• Subsidized food programs — Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) help families afford nutritious foods.
• Free or low-cost fitness programs — Community fitness initiatives make exercise more accessible and affordable.
• Nutrition education — Cooking classes and healthy-eating workshops teach people how to prepare affordable, nutritious meals and make informed food choices.
• School-based intervention programs — These programs promote healthy habits for children and families by encouraging daily physical activity, and balanced meals.
• Infrastructure improvements — Expanding access to parks, walking trails, and bike lanes can encourage active lifestyles and long-term community health benefits.

You Can Take Steps To Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle

Regardless of your financial situation, you still have some control over your health. Working with a healthcare provider to create a plan that includes diet, exercise, and behavior changes is the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Shift Your Focus

Don’t feel discouraged by numbers on the scale. Even though obesity is linked to weight, focusing only on weight loss can feel discouraging. Instead, focus on victories not related to your scale, like:

• Increased energy levels
• Better sleep quality
• Improved focus and concentration
• Higher endurance and strength

Get Creative

Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. Look for budget-friendly ways to add fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to your diet. These include:

• Shopping sales
• Buying fresh foods when they’re in season
• Looking in the freezer section for healthy choices, such as fruits and vegetables
• Using leftovers to stretch meals further

Make Your Plan Work for You

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly. If structured workouts aren’t an option, look for ways to build physical activity into your daily routine. This might include:

• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
• Walking during work breaks or lunch
• Doing household chores like vacuuming or yard work

No matter how you choose to prioritize your health, it’s important to set realistic, achievable goals. Seek support from friends, family, healthcare providers, or support groups. Small, sustainable changes can improve overall health and well-being.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyObesityTeam is the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones. On MyObesityTeam, more than 56,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

Have you been diagnosed with obesity? Do you face income-related barriers that make managing obesity difficult? Share your experience in the comments below, start a conversation by posting on your Activities page, or connect with like-minded members in Groups.