in the past, dental appearance of a local population is a visible indication of socio-economic well-being (and affluence). The developed countries all feature cleaner teeth.

Second indication — skin diseases are often left untreated in poor countries. Therefore, skin health is a sign of socio-economic well-being.

Nowadays, the protruding belly is arguably the leading sign.. They indicate poor education, poor government effort, low quality nutrition such as convenient junk foods (like pizza, fast food, high-calorie packaged foods) …

Note Low cost nutrition can be high quality.

All three aspects of health are considered secondary — not life-threatening, not disabling like a handicap.