Breaking Barriers

Obesity in Brazil has grown rapidly within the past decade, however research is conflicting in terms of who carries the burden of this disease- the economic elite or the poor. Despite the lack of clarity towards the current distribution of obesity, many studies have concluded that in developing countries, obesity is growing more rapidly among those of lower socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study is to examine how socioeconomic status influences the dietary and exercise habits of lower and lower-middle income women who are obese. This study is relevant because it seeks to connect and expose the socioeconomic barriers such as access to healthy foods and physical activity that contribute to obesity in lower and lower-middle income women. Understanding these obstacles is an important step to diminish existing health disparities among Afro-Brazilian women. Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Brazil: Public Health, Race and Human Rights, SIT Study Abroad, Fall 2014

Autorentext

Christina Camoriano was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and is currently a junior, Public Health major at Santa Clara University. She is Treasurer for Peer Health Educators and the Pre-PT club, and Director of Rituals and House Manager for Delta Gamma. Christina also plans on applying to graduate school for physical therapy after graduation.