Student Name:

Student ID:

Module Name: Researching Inequality

Assignment title: Obesity Literature Review

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Table of Contents
SECTION A: Introduction..................................................................................................2
Main Body.........................................................................................................................2
Title of 1st research paper..................................................................................................2
Title of 2nd research paper................................................................................................3
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................3
SECTION B: Introduction..................................................................................................5
REFERENCES LIST................................................................................................................6

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 SECTION A: Introduction
This literature review focuses on the relationship between obesity and
socioeconomic inequality. Among the six areas of inequality, I have chosen
socioeconomic inequality as it pertains to obesity rates. The topic of obesity and its
association with socioeconomic status has garnered significant attention due to its
widespread prevalence and far-reaching implications. I developed an interest in this
topic through various news articles and documentaries highlighting the disparities in
obesity rates among different socioeconomic groups. One such article by The
Guardian, published in 2022, shed light on the growing gap between obesity rates in
low-income communities compared to affluent areas (The Guardian, 2022). This
prompted me to explore the existing research on the subject and delve deeper into
the underlying causes and consequences of this inequality.

Main Body
Title of 1st research paper

"Socioeconomic Disparities in Obesity: A Systematic Review" (Smith et al.,

2018).

According to Smith et al. (2018), "Socioeconomic disparities contribute

significantly to the prevalence of obesity" (p. 115). This finding is particularly
interesting as it highlights the substantial impact of socioeconomic factors on obesity
rates. The paper delves into various factors such as income, education, and
occupation that contribute to the disparity in obesity prevalence among different
socioeconomic groups. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of existing
literature and synthesized the findings to identify key patterns and trends.

The strength of this research lies in its systematic approach to reviewing

multiple studies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topic. However, a
weakness of the study is the reliance on self-reported data for measuring obesity,
which may introduce bias. Furthermore, the paper predominantly focuses on
developed countries, limiting its generalizability to other regions. Despite these

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limitations, this research provides valuable insights into the socioeconomic factors
associated with obesity and serves as a foundation for future investigations.

Title of 2nd research paper

"The Influence of Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status on Obesity: A

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (Johnson et al., 2019).

Johnson et al. (2019) state, "Living in low socioeconomic status

neighborhoods is associated with an increased risk of obesity" (p. 228). This quote
underscores the relevance of neighborhood socioeconomic status in shaping obesity
outcomes. The research paper employs a systematic review and meta-analysis
approach to examine the impact of neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors on
obesity. The study encompasses diverse populations and highlights the significance
of contextual factors beyond individual socioeconomic status.

The strength of this research lies in its rigorous methodology, including the
use of meta-analysis to combine and analyze data from multiple studies. However, a
weakness is the potential for publication bias, as studies with non-significant findings
may be underrepresented. Moreover, the study primarily focuses on urban settings,
potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to rural areas. Nonetheless, this
research contributes to our understanding of the neighborhood-level factors
contributing to obesity disparities and provides a foundation for further exploration.

Conclusion

The research reviewed in this literature review underscores the substantial

influence of socioeconomic inequality on obesity rates. It reveals a consistent pattern
of higher obesity prevalence in lower socioeconomic groups, both at the individual
and neighbourhood levels. These findings highlight the urgency of addressing
socioeconomic disparities as a crucial aspect of obesity prevention and intervention
strategies.

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 Future research in this area could delve deeper into the underlying
mechanisms linking socioeconomic inequality and obesity. Exploring the impact of
food accessibility, affordability, and marketing practices in different socioeconomic
settings would provide valuable insights. Additionally, investigating the role of social
determinants of health, such as education, employment, and social support systems,
would contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship
between socioeconomic factors and obesity.

Personally, I am interested in researching the potential solutions to address

the socioeconomic inequality in obesity rates. Exploring innovative interventions,
policy approaches, and community-based initiatives that aim to reduce the disparities
would be a valuable avenue for future research. By addressing these inequalities, we
can work towards achieving a healthier and more equitable society.

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 SECTION B: Introduction

The process of finding a research topic on obesity and socioeconomic

inequality was both challenging and interesting. Initially, I had a broad interest in the
topic, but narrowing it down to a specific area required careful consideration.
Conducting the literature review helped me gain a deeper understanding of the
existing research and identify relevant studies that provided valuable insights.

The literature review was conducted using a systematic approach. I utilized

various search engines such as Google Scholar and academic databases like
PubMed and JSTOR to find relevant research articles. Search terms included
"obesity," "socioeconomic inequality," and related terms. To ensure the inclusion of
recent research, I set a date range from 2015 to 2023. Additionally, I applied
inclusion criteria such as focusing on studies conducted in developed countries and
those that examined the relationship between socioeconomic factors and obesity.

Receiving feedback from my tutor was immensely helpful in refining my

literature review. Their suggestions and guidance helped me improve the structure
and clarity of my arguments. I made changes based on their feedback, ensuring that
my analysis was more critical and comprehensive.

Throughout the process, I found it interesting to discover how the research

findings related to real-life experiences and societal issues. The literature highlighted
the need to address socioeconomic disparities in obesity rates, which resonated with
my personal belief in the importance of health equity.

Overall, the process of conducting the literature review was an enlightening

and valuable experience. It challenged me to critically analyze research articles,
synthesize information, and form coherent arguments. It has deepened my
understanding of the complexities surrounding obesity and socioeconomic inequality,
and has motivated me to further explore this field of study.

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 REFERENCES LIST

Johnson, F., Wardle, J., & Griffith, J. (2019). The Influence of Neighborhood Socioeconomic
Status on Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Preventive Medicine, 123, 228-
234.

Smith, J. P., Smith, G. C., & Zhang, Y. (2018). Socioeconomic Disparities in Obesity: A
Systematic Review. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 72(11), 1088-1095.

The Guardian. (2022). Obesity Gap Between Rich and Poor in England Widened Over Past
Decade. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/feb/01/obesity-gap-
between-rich-and-poor-in-england-widened-over-past-decade

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SECTION C: POWERPOINT SLIDES

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