There is a myth that obesity is a choice; that there are no biological, genetic, or environmental factors contributing to the obesity epidemic. But instead, obesity exists due to the accessibility of unhealthy food, said scientist with the American Physiological Society. If that is the case, what role does the rising price of food and gas play in healthy eating?

A look at the national consumer price index summary reveals only slight shifts in the cost of vegetables and fruit between February and March. The April CPI summary reports that, the price of fresh vegetables rose 2 percent while the price of fresh fruits and processed vegetables and fruits fell 1.1 and 0.9 percent, respectively. The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs was virtually unchanged. However, the price of fuel-dependent foods like dairy and bread items increased as much as 15.7 percent. These gradual changes in cost can have a significant impact to the family budget and spending habits over time, said Adell Brown, vice chancellor for finance and administration at Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. In fact, the price of food has risen 5.3 percent in the first quarter of 2008 alone, following a total increase in 2007 of 4.9 percent; while energy prices rose 8.98 percent in 2008, after a 17.4 percent overall increase in 2007.

The price of gas is currently having the most impact on disposable income, Brown said. That combined with the fluctuating price of food would force a person to make critical decisions and scale back most expendable items in order to maintain balance. The school of economics says recreational and entertainment expenses and other luxuries-which may mean gym fees or fitness trainers for some-would be first cut from the family budget. "Then they have to make critical choices on 'How can I cut back on my food, How can I shop wiser?'," said Brown. "And without the right education, shopping wiser may mean shopping cheaper."

Education is key, said food scientist . The cycle of poor nutrition, obesity and disease can be broken with better nutrition but people "need education on what to eat, how much, and where to get it," she said. Learning how to read nutrition food fact labels is very important when shopping. "The serving size is the most important part of the label. It will tell you how much calorie, fat, sugar, salt, etc., is in one serving." Most of the time calorie-dense foods are loaded with sugar and fat, she said, "So read the label and eat everything in moderation."

You should also:

• Make a shopping list and stick to it
• Cut the sugar, salt, sodas, and juices from your shopping list
• Shop locally from farmer's markets or fruit stands in order to get fresh produce and decrease cost
• Buy frozen fruits and vegetables which last longer
• Buy and use beans in your meals as a source of protein
• Use expensive items, including meat, sparingly
• Avoid luxury items only purchase necessities. (Do you need the bread, pasta and potatoes, or is one enough?)
• Start growing your own fruits and vegetables. Start small, using containers and gradually increase the size of your garden as space permits.
• Use the correct serving size and stop overeating. This will stretch food for a longer time.
• Stop wasting food and food ingredients.
• Cook at home with your family.
• Be an advocate for change. "Speak about the problem of the rising cost of food, gas, and health insurance to your representatives in the legislature so they can change the policies that are allowing these increases," said Malekian.

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