Food reinforcement partially mediates the effect of socioeconomic status on body mass index.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Low socioeconomic status (low SES), as defined by income or educational attainment, has been associated with obesity in industrialized nations. Low SES persons have limited resources and may experience food insecurity that increases food reinforcement. Food reinforcement has been positively related to energy intake and weight status, and increased food reinforcement may explain the higher prevalence of obesity among low SES individuals who have restricted access to low-energy-dense foods and nonfood reinforcers.

Design and methods

Annual household income, highest education level completed and food reinforcement in 166 adults of varying body mass index (BMI, kg m(-2) ) was measured.

Results

Multivariate linear regression analyses controlling for age, sex, min

SUBMITTER: Lin H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3742692 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature