Many studies suggest that college graduates are generally healthier than non-graduates. New government research has concluded that women with a higher education are less likely to be overweight or obese. Highly educated women generally live in households with middle to high-class income levels. Those without a college degree who live in the lowest income households are much more likely to suffer from weight-related issues.

The study reports that 42 percent of women with less than a high school education are obese, versus 23 percent of women who have earned a college degree. And 42 percent of women who live in a household with an income level of $ 29,000 or less per year for a family of four are obese, compared to only 29 percent of women who live in households earning a yearly income of $ 77,000 or higher.

Cynthia Ogden from the National Center for Health Statistics said that “there is a relationship between obesity and income, but it’s not a simple story.” The impact of these socioeconomic factors is much greater among women than men and there is not a significant difference in obesity rates among men at different education levels.

The results of this research come from data obtained through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Reported statistics are believed to be highly accurate because the national study involves “an extensive survey of people whose weight and height are actually measured rather than being self-reported.” One-third of U.S. adults are obese, meaning they are 30 pounds or more above a healthy weight in relation to their height.

Jennifer Lovejoy, president of the Obesity Society said that low-educated and therefore low-income women are more likely to be overweight due to “environmental factors” like the convenience of inexpensive fast food and a lack of access to exercise facilities. Obesity puts these women at a greater risk for certain types of cancer and other conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

Alli writes about Online Education for University-bound.com – a resource site for those interested in earning a degree online.

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