Social inequalities in health and food consumption in France

Social inequalities in health are strongly pronounced in France, where they have worsened steadily over the past two decades. Between the two extremes on the social scale, these differences of a factor of 2 to 3 are found with several health indicators and for most nutrition associated diseases, obesity and diabetes in particular. Social disparities concerning food and physical activity are evidenced from childhood, and can contribute to social inequalities in health through a process of accumulation. This is usually the result of a decline in the individual's socio-economic position, with economic, structural and psychosocial constraints that limit the take-up of healthy behaviours. Nutrition policies have a key part to play in the reduction of these inequalities, particularly through the implementation of multi-factorial, territorial, participative and multi-partner interventions consistent with the principles health promotion. (C) 2013 Societe francaise de nutrition. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.