Fact Check: "McCormick argues America's poorest are now also the fattest."
What We Know
The claim that "America's poorest are now also the fattest" has been brought to public attention by various figures, including Congressman Rich McCormick. However, evidence from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contradicts this assertion. According to a Washington Post article, the obesity rates among the poorest Americans do not surpass those of middle-income individuals. Specifically, 39% of individuals living below 130% of the federal poverty level are classified as obese, while the obesity rate for those earning between 130% and 350% of the poverty level is slightly higher at 41%.
Moreover, the CDC's data shows that among different demographic groups, the relationship between income and obesity is complex. For instance, among Hispanic women, the lowest-income third has the highest obesity rate (48.7%), while among white women, the rates are nearly identical across low and middle-income tiers (42% and 42.5%, respectively). Interestingly, among black women, the lowest-income tier has the lowest obesity rate (55.8%) (source-1).
Analysis
The assertion made by McCormick lacks substantial backing from credible data sources. The CDC's findings indicate that the poorest Americans do not have the highest obesity rates, which undermines the claim that poverty directly correlates with obesity in a straightforward manner. The evidence suggests that while there is a relationship between socioeconomic status and obesity, it is not as clear-cut as McCormick suggests.
The article from the Washington Post emphasizes that the middle-income tier holds the dubious distinction of having the highest obesity rates, rather than the poorest. This distinction is critical, as it highlights that obesity is not solely a function of poverty but is influenced by a variety of factors, including education, access to nutritious food, and lifestyle choices (source-1).
Additionally, while some experts argue that increasing income could lead to lower obesity rates, the evidence remains inconclusive. For example, research on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients shows mixed results regarding their obesity rates compared to those who are eligible but do not participate in the program (source-1). This ambiguity suggests that the relationship between poverty and obesity is not only complex but also influenced by various external factors.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "America's poorest are now also the fattest" is misleading and not supported by credible evidence. Data from the CDC indicates that the highest obesity rates are found among middle-income individuals, not the poorest. While socioeconomic factors do play a role in obesity, the assertion oversimplifies a complex issue and misrepresents the available data.