Talk:Diseases of affluence

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I think that it should be noted that with the increase of longevity, a larger population tends to manifest diseases typical of an elderly age

[edit] Obesity and Poverty

I think it should also be noted that within the world's most affluent countries such as the United States, the "diseases of affluence," especially obesity, disproportionately affect the poorest members of the society, for example, because packaged products, starches, sugary and salty foods, and fatty meats tend to be cheaper than say fresh produce, because poorer areas are less walkable, the poor have less time to exercise or less access to health clubs, or less energy for a workout after a day standing up (but not getting much exercise) which low wage service jobs typically require, etc. So the title "diseases of affluence," although useful to compare the types of diseases most deadly in rich countries with those found in the third world, is also misleading and maybe offensive, since the people in rich societies who tend to suffer from them are often far from affluent by the standards of these societies.