Impacts of the 2008 Great Recession on dietary intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background The 2008 Great Recession significantly impacted economies and individuals globally, with potential impacts on food systems and dietary intake. We systematically reviewed evidence on the impact of the Great Recession on individuals’ dietary intake globally and whether disadvantaged individuals were disproportionately affected. Methods We searched seven databases and relevant grey literature through June 2020. Longitudinal quantitative studies with the 2008 recession as the exposure and any measure of dietary intake (energy intake, dietary quality, and food/macronutrient consumption) as the outcome were eligible for inclusion. Eligibility was independently assessed by two reviewers. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used for quality and risk of bias assessment. We undertook a random effects meta-analysis for changes in energy intake. Harvest plots were used to display and summarise study results for other outcomes. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019135864). Results Forty-one studies including 2.6 million people met our inclusion criteria and were heterogenous in both methods and results. Ten studies reported energy intake, 11 dietary quality, 34 food intake, and 13 macronutrient consumption. The Great Recession was associated with a mean reduction of 103.0 cal per adult equivalent per day (95% Confidence Interval: − 132.1, − 73.9) in high-income countries (5 studies) and an increase of 105.5 cal per adult per day (95% Confidence Interval: 72.8, 138.2) in middle-income countries (2 studies) following random effects meta-analysis. We found reductions in fruit and vegetable intake. We also found reductions in intake of fast food, sugary products, and soft drinks. Impacts on macronutrients and dietary quality were inconclusive, though suggestive of a decrease in dietary quality. The Great Recession had greater impacts on dietary intake for disadvantaged individuals. Conclusions The 2008 recession was associated with diverse impacts on diets. Calorie intake decreased in high income countries but increased in middle income countries. Fruit and vegetable consumption reduced, especially for more disadvantaged individuals, which may negatively affect health. Fast food, sugary products, and soft drink consumption also decreased which may confer health benefits. Implementing effective policies to mitigate adverse nutritional changes and encourage positive changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and other major economic shocks should be prioritised.

Food Intake and Diet Quality of Pregnant Women in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Cross-Sectional Study

“…The study also revealed that vegetables and dairy consumption in Hubei Province was lower than recommended. Our partial results are similar to a systematic review indicating that the great recession of 2008 caused a decrease in consumptions of foods such as fruit and vegetable ( 35 ). Two studies ( 36 , 37 ) conducted in the Navajo nation found that access to and availability of foods are particularly important and determine food consumption.…”

Economic change and population health: lessons learnt from an umbrella review on the Great Recession

“…Furthermore, while some reviews considered a broad range of health outcomes in their review, 12 13 other reviews focused on specific health outcomes such as mental health, 14–16 infectious diseases 17 and dietary intake. 18 Specifically, of the 21 reviews, 13 examined the link between the economic crisis and aspects concerning mental health (eg, depression, suicide), 4 reviews reported findings on infectious disease outcomes, 6 reviews looked at health behaviours (eg, alcohol consumption) and 2 reviews focused on cardiovascular disorders. The key mechanisms to explain the association between the impacts of the economic crisis on health include austerity measures along with cuts in social welfare and unemployment.…”

“… 25 The economic crisis was also associated with inequalities in dietary intake. 18 22 According to Jenkins et al, 18 calorie intake decreased in high-income countries but increased in middle-income countries. The authors also found that fruit and vegetable consumption decreased, specifically among disadvantaged groups (eg, women without educational qualifications).…”

Epidemiological Transition in Indonesia and Its Prevention: A Narrative Review

“…This weight gain tends to occur in families with low economic income. They tend to choose foods high in carbohydrates and fat (high carbo-high fat) with relatively affordable prices [26]. Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas) 2018 showed that 95.5% of Indonesian people >5 years old had consumed fewer fruits and vegetables [27].…”