The Impact of SNAP Participation on Obesity Rates in the United States

     In 2008, 500 million adults globally were considered obese (CDC 2016). In the United States, this rate has increased by 82% since 1988 to 36%. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be 1.12 billion obese adults... [ view full abstract ]

     In 2008, 500 million adults globally were considered obese (CDC 2016). In the United States, this rate has increased by 82% since 1988 to 36%. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be 1.12 billion obese adults worldwide (Paarlberg 2013). While one may view obesity as a condition perpetuated by greater food consumption associated with higher income, evidence suggests the opposite (ADA 2011). Thus, one must question why obesity and poverty coincide and the underlying causes of the health epidemic.

     The United States food stamp program (now SNAP) directly influences the type of food qualifiers consume. Thus, participation in the SNAP program can indicate the impact of food budgets on obesity. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, this paper assesses this relationship. There was a positive significant relationship found between participation in the SNAP program and obesity rates in the United States. This suggests that obesity prevalence in the US is tied to lower income status and reveals a disparity in our nation's current food and aid systems.