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The Direct and Moderating Effect of Food Insecurity on Obesity-A Cross-Sectional Study
Burak Mete1, Hatice Merve Sadıkoğlu1, Fatma İrem Dağlı1
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine Çukurova University Adana Turkey.
Food Science & Nutrition
|August 1, 2026
Summary
Food insecurity is linked to higher obesity rates, especially in severe cases. Dietary patterns, like low protein and high carb intake, worsen this connection, highlighting the need for social support.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Food insecurity is a growing public health concern.
- Existing evidence suggests a positive association between food insecurity and obesity.
- The precise mechanisms driving this relationship require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between food insecurity and obesity.
- To explore factors influencing food insecurity.
- To evaluate the role of food insecurity in obesity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 859 individuals.
- Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) used for assessment.
- Analysis of demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary factors.
Main Results:
- Obesity prevalence was significantly higher in moderately (12%) and severely (11.3%) food-insecure groups compared to mildly food-insecure groups (4.5%).
- Severe food insecurity increased obesity odds by 2.075 times.
- Food-insecure individuals consumed less protein and more carbohydrates/snacks, moderating the protein-BMI relationship.
Conclusions:
- Food insecurity is a significant risk factor for obesity, influenced by dietary patterns.
- Men, rural residents, and those with higher incomes or social support showed different food insecurity risks.
- Interventions focusing on social support and dietary improvements may mitigate obesity risk in food-insecure populations.
