Prevalence of unreported and uncontrolled dyslipidemia in a food insecure population

Dyslipidemia is a major contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in food insecure populations. This study describes the prevalence of unreported and uncontrolled dyslipidemia in food insecure populations in Chicago, Illinois. The study population comprised individuals attending food pantry health screenings in West Chicago from August 2023-October 2025. Demographic information, lipid panel results, and vital measurements obtained during screening were analyzed. Participants were stratified by self-reported history of dyslipidemia. Of 389 participants included, 69.2% met criteria for dyslipidemia at screening, with 49.1% exhibiting mixed dyslipidemia. Over 72.5% individuals did not self-report dyslipidemia, of which 67.7% were found to have dyslipidemia corresponding to a 49.1% prevalence of unreported dyslipidemia. Of the patients who self-reported dyslipidemia, 72.9% demonstrated uncontrolled dyslipidemia. Compared to national estimates, there was a higher prevalence of elevated triglycerides, non-high-density lipoprotein-C, and low high-density-lipoprotein. However, there was a lower prevalence of low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol elevation. This data highlights high dyslipidemia prevalence within a food insecure population with substantial unreported and uncontrolled disease. It also reflects a unique pattern of lipid abnormalities indicative of a high carbohydrate, low nutrient quality diet. These findings support expanded access to community-based cardiometabolic screening and prevention services.