Unveiling the Impact: Social Determinants of Health Explored
Have you ever paused to consider all the factors that influence your overall well-being beyond just nutrition and movement? The truth is, health is shaped by a range of social and environmental conditions, known as the social determinants of health (SDOH). These include where you live, work, learn, and play, and they account for up to 50% of your overall health outcomes.
What Are the Social Determinants of Health?
The social determinants of health refer to the economic, cultural, environmental, and social factors that impact health outcomes. These are often outside of your personal control and include aspects like access to education, safe housing, clean water, and inclusive healthcare. It’s a reminder that health is not just about personal choices — it’s deeply affected by systemic and structural conditions. Rather than focusing solely on weight, diet, or exercise, understanding the SDOH allows us to take a broader, more compassionate look at what supports real health.
Examples of Social Determinants of Health
Access to Quality Education
Higher education levels are linked to better job opportunities, health literacy, and access to care. Education influences decision-making around health-promoting behaviors and is directly tied to long-term health.
Economic Stability
When people struggle to meet basic needs like food, housing, and transportation, stress-related illness and chronic disease become more common. Financial insecurity impacts both physical and mental health outcomes.
Food Access
Food insecurity and food deserts reduce access to nourishing, affordable options. This leads to increased risk for nutrient deficiencies and long-term health issues like diabetes or hypertension. Food justice is a vital part of health equity.
Environment and Neighborhood Conditions
Air pollution, unsafe water, or a lack of green space can increase the risk of diseases. On the other hand, access to nature, walkable areas, and clean environments can boost mental health and encourage physical activity.
Social Support Networks
Strong social connections are linked to better cardiovascular health, lower stress, and improved longevity. Social isolation, by contrast, has been shown to increase the risk of mental health disorders and early death.
Access to Quality, Inclusive Healthcare
Barriers to healthcare, including cost, discrimination, or lack of culturally responsive care, can prevent early intervention and increase poor health outcomes, particularly among marginalized communities.
Discrimination & Systemic Oppression
Chronic stress from racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination elevates stress hormone levels and inflammation, contributing to issues like hypertension, heart disease, and depression.
Trauma
Adverse childhood experiences and chronic trauma significantly influence physical and mental health. Trauma survivors may face heightened inflammation, disordered eating patterns, or risk-taking behaviors that impact long-term wellness.
Diet Culture vs. Social Determinants of Health
Diet culture often ignores the reality of systemic health barriers and places blame on individuals, telling us that our weight, food choices, or self-discipline are the only things that matter. This narrative is not only false, but harmful.
It labels foods as “good” or “bad” without acknowledging economic or cultural accessibility.
It promotes Eurocentric ideals of health, dismissing culturally important foods.
It assumes that time, money, and mental energy are always available, when for many, they are not.
The reality is that the factors that contribute to our health go beyond personal responsibility and include systemic issues that are not often talked about. The Truth is that health is not a moral obligation, and more importantly, it’s not an even playing field.
Intuitive Eating and the Social Determinants of Health
Intuitive Eating (IE) is an evidence-based, weight-inclusive approach that encourages individuals to listen to internal cues and make peace with food. However, it must be understood within the context of the SDOH.
I want to acknowledge that practicing intuitive eating is a privilege that is not accessible to everyone. The difficulties posed by food insecurity, limited food options, and economic constraints can all present significant challenges when it comes to listening to our bodies and eating intuitively. Additionally, embracing intuitive eating requires a certain amount of mental space and effort, which may be in short supply for those struggling to meet their basic survival needs on a daily basis. It's perfectly alright if nutrition isn't currently at the forefront of your mind. Nutrition doesn't have to be your top priority if you're in survival mode. You deserve support that meets you where you are. That being said, this is precisely why collaborating with a registered dietitian who understands the intersection of food justice, intuitive eating, and health equity can help you:
Build sustainable habits that honor your current access
Reduce shame and food anxiety
Focus on nourishment over perfection
It's also important to note that while intuitive eating can be helpful for some individuals dealing with stressors related to SDOH, it is not a solution to these larger systemic issues. Advocating for policies that address SDOH, such as increasing access to healthy food options and affordable housing, is crucial for creating lasting change.
The SDOH is ultimately a list of reasons why we should not blame ourselves for being unable to conform to the narrow ideal of health promoted by diet culture. By examining the various factors contributing to our health, we can gain a broader perspective. Then, we have room for meaningful choices that honor the set of social conditions in which you live and also support you in all the empowered ways you can positively affect your health.
For those who may be learning about SDOH for the first time, I hope that this knowledge can foster a greater sense of empathy and kindness toward oneself and others in matters of health while setting the scene for you to acknowledge your limitations AND strive to positively influence all the things you can to improve your health and well-being. The system may be wrought with challenges, but you can still achieve personal well-being. Reach out to the team at CV Wellbeing at any time for guidance and support — we promise to meet you where you are at.
FAQs About the Social Determinants of Health
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Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that influence a person's health outcomes. These include access to quality education, healthcare, and nutritious food, as well as housing stability, income, and social support. They play a critical role in shaping physical and mental well-being.
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Social determinants of health highlight how external factors like environment and social systems impact health outcomes. Addressing these factors can lead to improved health equity, reduce disparities, and create healthier communities overall.
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Social determinants of health affect well-being by influencing access to resources such as healthcare, housing, and education. For example, limited access to healthcare can result in delayed diagnoses, while food insecurity can lead to malnutrition or chronic illnesses.
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Individuals can support organizations that advocate for health equity, vote for policies that prioritize public health initiatives, and raise awareness about the impact of social determinants. Building community networks and fostering social support can also contribute to addressing these challenges.