INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL INEQUALITIES

Introduction to Social Inequalities

Introduction to Social Inequalities

Introduction

Inequalities in health are hard to define due to the complex nature of the term health itself. Many differing explanations of the term health exist, and all are very subjective, depending upon who is defining the term, and to whom it is being aimed at. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines the term as “A complete state of physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”

Discussion

This definition of health is very idealistic and holistic in nature, though one that Davidson (2002)argues is hard to obtain over a substantial period of time, due to happiness and health experiences being neither fixed nor constant. Rodolfo argues that, although having a serious illness or disease may make a person unhappy, not having a serious illness or disease does not necessarily make a person happy. Taking this argument into context, it is understandable that the term health can often have no bearing whatsoever upon a person's well-being. The object of this assignment is to pick an inequality in health, and through available research, discuss its determinants, effects upon health and ideological ways of promoting health/equality in health.

Obesity as Health Issue

The inequality that has been chosen is that of obesity. Obesity is very prevalent within society, and one that has a very detrimental effect upon a person's health. It is also deemed an inequality, as the following discussion will highlight, due to the multiple external factors that influence it.

Defining Obesity

Obesity is defined by a person's Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is measured by calculating a person's weight by their height in metres squared. The result then gives the BMI, which will give an indication as to whether that person is underweight, desired weight, overweight or obese. The House of Commons Health Committee (2004) observes that it is important to recognise that obesity is both a medical condition and a lifestyle disorder and both factors have to be seen within a context of individual, family and societal functioning.

Obesity levels in the UK are increasing at a staggering rate. And it is forecasted that over half the UK population will be classed as obese by the year 2050 (McCormick & Stone. 2007. pp. 161-164). With over half the population falling into the obesity category by 2050, it is projected that the cost to the economy will be substantial, with the NHS footing a bill of treatment that is estimated to rise to as much as 10 billion pounds per year. The costs to businesses and society itself, is estimated to cost approximately 50 billion pounds per year by 2050 (McCormick & Stone. 2007. pp. 161-164).

With such substantial figures, it is no coincidence that obesity is one of the most highly debated topics in the government's agenda's. As well as the financial implications that society will suffer, a significant proportion of obese sufferers may die as a result of the diseases/illnesses that obesity can lead ...