'Food insecurity' plays major role
In a striking turn of events over the past few decades, a recent global study finds obesity is now a greater health concern than hunger.
University of Houston researcher Daphne Hernandez says worldwide, heart disease; high blood pressure and other ailments have skyrocketed as the 'western way' of life spreads across the globe - namely fast-food restaurants.
"If you were to look back to when these companies started going over there, and then tracked the rates of obesity, I'm pretty sure you would see the increase," Hernandez tells KTRH News.
But Hernandez is quick to point out so-called 'food insecurity' among low-income people plays a major role as well, especially here in Houston.
"They have a tendency to buy the cheaper, high-caloric food," she says. "And they're less likely to consume fruits and vegetables."
