Fact Check: "For the first time, America's poorest are also the fattest, claims McCormick."
What We Know
The claim originates from a statement made by U.S. Representative Rich McCormick during a CNN interview on January 28, 2025. In the interview, McCormick questioned, "When in history have we had our poorest people also be our fattest people?" He suggested that this phenomenon is unprecedented in American history (NBC News).
McCormick's assertion aligns with broader discussions about obesity and poverty in the United States. Research indicates that obesity rates have been rising among low-income populations, often linked to factors such as limited access to nutritious food, economic constraints, and reliance on cheaper, calorie-dense foods (NBC News, Aaron Rupar).
Analysis
While McCormick's claim raises an important point about the intersection of poverty and obesity, the assertion that this is the "first time" in history that America's poorest are also the fattest requires more nuanced examination. Historical data shows that food insecurity and obesity have often coexisted, particularly in recent decades.
For example, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity has been linked to higher rates of obesity, as low-income families may resort to cheaper, less nutritious food options that are high in calories but low in essential nutrients (NBC News). Furthermore, studies have indicated that the obesity epidemic has disproportionately affected low-income communities, suggesting that the relationship between poverty and obesity is complex and multifaceted (Aaron Rupar).
The reliability of McCormick's statement is also questionable. While he raises a valid concern about the health of low-income populations, his framing lacks historical context. The assertion that this is a novel situation may overlook previous instances where similar trends were observed, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim made by Rep. Rich McCormick that America's poorest are also the fattest for the first time in history is an oversimplification of a complex issue. While there is evidence to support the correlation between poverty and obesity, the assertion lacks historical context and requires further investigation to validate its accuracy. More comprehensive research is needed to understand the evolving dynamics of poverty and obesity in America.
