At the Expense of Your Health

Many people claim that unhealthy eating habits are the result of economic hardship. Others say that healthful food is more expensive than processed food which limits options for the economically disadvantaged.

Both schools of thought may be right: however, when long term effects on health are factored in—it becomes more difficult to discern. Is cheap eating really cheaper?

In a meta-review of 27 studies in 10 countries, researchers publishing in the British Medical Journal found that “meats and proteins had the largest price differences, with healthier options costing an average $0.29 more per serving than less healthy options.”

These results would confirm that ‘unhealthy food is about $1.50 cheaper per day.’ That is about a $550 per year savings. For some, this could be the difference in budgetary needs that allow for gas just to get to work. For others, this $50/month savings may be wasted on cigarettes, junk food and lotto tickets.

Either way, when factoring in long-term health care costs related to a poor diet, eating inexpensively can indeed be pricey. In fact, “the cost difference may be very small in comparison to the economic repercussions of diet-related chronic diseases, which would be dramatically reduced by healthy diets,” Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, the study’s senior author and associate professor at Harvard School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School, said in a press release.

‘The economic burden of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, predominantly caused by a poor diet, is approaching $700 billion annually in the United States alone’ according to several statistical reports from an array of sources including Fox News and The Latin Post. It is epidemic, yet some believe, preventable!

Some of the same sources site opinions from politicians that to fix this problem and the growing rate of obesity, ‘junk food should be taxed at a higher rate than healthier foods.’ Others think this violates our fifth amendment right and reason that ‘government should stay out.’ They argue that ‘healthy foods are not readily available to low-income areas regardless of how it is taxed.’

I can identify with both sides and believe that like most issues concerning opposing political views, that the answer may be somewhere in the middle. With continued awareness and meaningful dialogue, the potential to help create healthier lives for all people is possible.

For questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com.