How can Californians be overweight and hungry?

Abstract

The US epidemic of obesity is particularly marked in poor populations, and is now a greater problem than malnutrition. The paradoxical relationship between malnutrition and obesity is examined in a study of 561 low-income Latino families in California. The results indicate that 40% of the women were overweight, and 37% were obese, while 22% of the children were overweight. Those who suffered food insecurity as children were more likely to become obese adults. Nutritional programs stressing the link between food insecurity and weight problems must be offered by schools, food aid programs, the food industry, and other community groups.