by FO4VN ─ Đội hình Chiến thuật FO4 ─ Tra cứu cầu thủ FO4
Food insecurity is a serious issue that affects many individuals and families around the world. In the United States, approximately 15% of households experienced food insecurity in 2013. This lack of consistent access to nutritious foods has been linked to higher body mass index (BMI) and obesity. However, the relationship between food insecurity and BMI over time has not been well-studied.
A longitudinal mixed methods study conducted in Chelsea, Massachusetts sought to evaluate this association. The study included both a retrospective matched cohort and focus groups to gather quantitative and qualitative data on the topic. The participants included patients from a community health center who reported food insecurity from October 2009 to March 2010, as well as controls who were matched by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.
Results showed that food insecurity was associated with a greater increase in BMI over time compared to the control group. This association remained significant even after adjusting for demographic factors. Qualitative analysis from the focus groups revealed that participants, regardless of BMI, understood the importance of eating healthy foods but faced economic barriers to accessing and affording these foods. Participants with lower BMI highlighted their skills in portion control and budgeting as strategies to cope with high prices and eat healthily.
These findings have important implications for weight management interventions in vulnerable populations. Screening for food insecurity can help identify individuals at risk of BMI increase and allow for early intervention. Skill-building interventions that pair food insecurity screening with education on portion control and budgeting may be effective in promoting healthy eating habits. Additionally, policy solutions such as increasing the purchasing power of nutritional assistance benefits for purchasing produce or increasing the frequency of benefit distribution may help address these economic barriers.
In conclusion, food insecurity is associated with an increase in BMI over time. However, individuals who are food insecure but manage to avoid obesity can provide valuable insights into successful strategies for weight management. By addressing economic barriers and providing skill-building interventions, weight management programs can support vulnerable patients in maintaining a healthy weight.
