Association Between Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Obesity Among Adults: A Systematic Literature Review

Obesity has emerged as a critical global public health challenge, contributing significantly to morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. Its development is shaped by a complex interplay of biological, behavioural, and environmental factors, yet socioeconomic status (SES) remains a central determinant of obesity risk. SES, encompassing education, income, occupation, and area-based deprivation, influences exposure to health risks, access to resources, and the adoption of health-promoting behaviours. Despite extensive research, findings on the SES–obesity relationship remain fragmented due to methodological inconsistencies, varied definitions of SES, and limited representation of diverse populations, particularly in low-and middle income countries. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesises global evidence on the relationship between SES and obesity among adults. A structured search strategy was employed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost, with studies screened and evaluated using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The PRISMA framework guided the review process, resulting in the inclusion of 15 studies published between 2015 and 2025. Findings reveal that lower SES is consistently associated with higher obesity prevalence in high-income settings, while in some low-and middle-income contexts, higher SES groups show greater obesity risk, reflecting transitional nutrition environments. Mediating factors such as gender, ethnicity, age, cultural norms, and environmental conditions further shape these associations. The review also highlights gaps in longitudinal evidence, limited integration of behavioural and environmental mediators, and an overrepresentation of studies from high-income regions. This synthesis underscores the need for more comprehensive and globally inclusive research to inform equitable public health strategies. Addressing obesity requires not only biomedical interventions but also policies that tackle structural inequalities and environmental drivers, ensuring targeted and sustainable solutions across diverse adult populations.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Patel, Mayuri Jayantibhai

• HT Cymunedau. Dosbarthiadau cymdeithasol. Hil
• RA0421 Lechyd cyhoeddus. Glanweithdra. Meddygaeth Ataliol

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:4051