Can empty wallets result in slim waistlines?

One might think so. In fact, the following scenario is entirely logical: an economic downturn begets reduced consumer spending on all goods (including food), begets reduced food consumption, begets a nationwide caloric deficit and reduced obesity prevalence.

For much of our history, leanness was a clear sign of poverty, as only those in the highest socioeconomic strata could afford to eat enough to become overweight. During the mid 18th century, for example, a Rubenesque figure was the ideal among women, the “Fat Man’s Club” was the epitome of aristocracy, while thin men stuffed their shirts to conform to the hefty ideal and heighten their status in society.

In those days, a recession would inevitably result in slimmer waistlines – especially among the wealthy.

Today, unfortunately, emptier wallets may actually contribute to the nation’s already bulging waistlines.

The inverse association between socioeconomic status and likelihood of obesity is well established. In contrast to that seen in the 18th century, the lower the income level of an individual, a family, or a neighborhood – the higher the probability of excess weight.

How is this possible?

First, the diet of low income families is predominantly composed of inexpensive meats and grains, and added sugars and fats in contrast to the high-quality meats and grains, fresh vegetables and fruit consumed by higher income families. The higher price tag of ‘healthy’ diets is one major reason for this discrepancy.

For example, each 100 gram increment in fruit and vegetable consumption elevates the costs of a diet by the equivalent of $ 0.29–0.47 per day, meanwhile a 100 gram increase in the consumption of fats and sugars reduces daily diet costs by $0.64. Thus, calorie for calorie, a Big Mac costs much less than a fresh garden salad.

Reduced income will also favour less caloric output through recreational pursuits. For many individuals confined to stationary work, the main vehicle of energy expenditure (particularly during the winter months) is exercise at a gym. Considering that gym memberships cost approximately $50 per month, these expenses will undoubtedly be sacrificed by individuals faced with financial struggle.

In all, during the current economic crisis, Canadians will likely substitute healthy but expensive food with unhealthy and energy dense but inexpensive food, whilst reducing their leisure-time physical activity, thereby leading to a positive energy balance and increased weight.

Thus, while we all hold tightly onto our savings in hopes of another bull market, it is important to remember that cutting costs may be beneficial, so long as we are not cutting out a healthful diet and regular exercise.

Politics Factzone: The truth about Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Il, the leader of the free world, has decided to move on to more fertile grounds, leaving with us just the memories of 8-color rainbows, singing Korean women and couple of nuclear weapons. But who was this man whose next ambition would have been to get the next Nobel Peace prize? Here are just a few facts you should know about. more Top 5 Conspiracy Theories Related to John F. Kennedy's Assassination 26.Aug 2011 Since just after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, conspiracy theories abou...read ISRAEL KEEPING GHADDAFI AFLOAT 10.Mar 2011 ...read Glen Beck Is NOT the Anti-Christ! 10.Mar 2011 Hurtful and fiery rhetoric is now media’s default setting! This slippery and m...read Recipe for A REVOLUTION! (10 easy steps - try not to get burned!) 28.Feb 2011 Rebellion is cooking in the air. People are mad as hell, and not going to take...read THE ASSANGE CASE. CIA INTERFERED WITH SWEDISH LEGAL PROCESSES EXTREME RIGHT POLITICS A DANGER TO EUROPEAN UNITY THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY. OUT OF TOUCH, OUT OF FOCUS, OUT OF CREDIBILITY AND HOPEFULLY, OUT OF THE DOOR Opinion World governments charged with criminal negligence (in response to Megaupload case) EARTH (thecheers.org) - Federal authorities of the universe have charged the governments of all the countries in the world as well as the operators actually in power in these countries with operating a criminal enterprise, the Galaxy warriors announced Today. more The Great OSCARS 2011 – or so it would seem 5.Mar 2011 So, how exciting......a morning off, the Academy Awards. I wish I could say the...read Top 7 Expensive Bordellos. Prostitution: Shakedown, Tier Down, and Priced Out 31.Jan 2011 According to a report of the Washington DC-based US Department of State, The Ph...read The Great Secret and Reason for the JFK Assassination 11.Oct 2010 The great question is why the great secret? On June 4 1963, President Kennedy s...read Don't Do it! The 3 Worst Times to Get Tattoos 4.Oct 2010 As a general rule, tattoos gotten after 2 am are a bad idea. But in a bigger pi...read

Travel Travel Warning 13 September 2010 - DO NOT TRAVEL TO IRAN 13.Sep 2010 TRAVELWISE has been watching the situation in Iran for some months in relation ...read more TRAVELWISE TRAVEL ADVISORY 5th June 2010. DO NOT TRAVEL TO ISRAEL. 5.Jun 2010 Given the recent incident whereby the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, used...read TRAVELWISE. 16 APRIL 2010. EUROPEAN TRAVEL ALTERNATIVES 16.Apr 2010 Travelwise issues the following advice in relation to cancelled flights to, fro...read TRAVELWISE 6 APRIL 2010. AUSTRALIAN AIR TRAVEL. THE BEST WAYS TO TRAVEL BY AIR IN AUSTRALIA. 5.Apr 2010 Regular readers might have seen and read the various advisory and no-fly notice...read TRAVELWISE 2 APRIL 2010. QANTAS. 2.Apr 2010 Some concerns have been raised in relation to some of the maintenance practices...read Sport No Payoff From the Playoffs $16.50 will Get Anyone in the Hall Mr McGwire Stupid Athlete Tricks Technology Think Big! Think the World's Largest International Trade Show Top 9 cool laptop accessories for laptop geeks Twittering: I'm not that interesting Cheers Jesus' Answering Machine Brown Couch or twelve midgets in the town square How To Be Happy Drugged Out Saturday Nights Muslim Decapitation: Bad, or Simply Misunderstood?