Nursing faculty and students are advised that the projection of continued increases in unemployment, food prices, and transportation costs contribute to Americans making cheap as opposed to healthydietary choices. Hormel Foods Corporation reports that almost six in ten Americans say that they have cut back in either the quality or quantity of foods they purchase. "Macaroni and cheese and fast-food dollar menus" become popular in economically stressful times. Adam Drenowski, professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington in Seattle, notes "All evidence suggests that obesity is the toxic consequence of a failing economic environment". Drenowski reminds us that the cheapest foods are calorie high and nutrient poor. These less expensive foods contain refined grain, sugars, and fats to make them taste good. Unfortunately, these cheap food choices have been shown to contribute to health consequences that include obesity, Type II diabetes, and heart disease. As our nursing students assess client needs, taking into account economic challenges may contribute to more realistic and appropriate nursing interventions.

A consistent link between poverty and obesity has been established by Drenowski. His research determined that obesity rates were five times greater in Seattle neighborhoods with lower home values than in upscale neighborhoods. Dr. Judith Wylie-Rossett, a professor of epidemiology and population health at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, adds that "If you follow the five-to nine suggestions (for daily fruit and vegetable servings) the diet is an almost threefold increase in price." Gwendolyn Lipscomb, director of the Office of Minority Health in Alabama, notes that those experiencing an economic crisis may be especially vulnerable to weight related health problems. The stresses and compromises of a decreased economic status might lead people to a change of lifestyle that is conducive to obesity and diabetes. She also emphasizes that expenses related to physical activity, such as gym memberships, may have to be sacrificed to meet primary needs.

However, Christopher J. Ruhm, a professor of economics at UNC Greensboro reports optimistically that death rates fall during an economic downturn. Ruhm's work also supports that health markers such as smoking, alcohol consumption and even obesity improve when the economy is depressed. Ruhm does add that his work has not examined these indicators during a global economic crisis, such as the current situation.

Source: Alesia, J. (October 30, 2008). Surprise: Lean times may actually make you fat. MSNBC: Health: Diet and Nutrition. Available athttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27426596/?dst=msnbc|widget|NewsScroller%20|%20msnbc.. Accessed November 19, 2008.