Understanding the Coexistence of Food Insecurity and Obesity

Abstract

Coexistence of food insecurity and obesity is expected given that both are consequences of economic and social disadvantage. Food insecurity and obesity are positively associated in adult women but not men. There is some evidence of association in adolescents, but mixed results for children. Distinct from adults, children experience cognitive, emotional, and physical awareness of food insecurity and take responsibility for it by participating in adult strategies, initiating their own strategies, and taking action to obtain additional food or money for food. Food insecurity is detrimental for children, being associated with behavior problems, disrupted social interactions, compromised school performance and attendance, poor dietary intake and physical activity, altered daily activities, and poor health. Some of these outcomes increase the risk of developing obesity. From life course, cumulative inequality, and developmental perspectives, child food insecurity may have long-term effects, including on risk of obesity. Pediatricians can help identify and respond to children who are food-insecure and at risk of obesity.

The association of household food security, household characteristics and school environment with obesity status among off-reserve First Nations and Métis children and youth in Canada: results from the 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey

“…10,11 While the relationship between food insecurity and obesity may seem paradoxical, research is increasingly linking the two, as food insecurity results in a lack of affordable nutritious food choices, which then may result in obes ity. [12][13][14][15][16] Adults and children have distinct experiences of food insecurity, as children are more vulnerable to resultant behavioural problems, such as decreased school attendance and performance, and poorer overall health and nutrition, despite parents' efforts to minimize food insecurity's impact. 13,17,18 A possible relationship between food insecurity and obesity may be especially relevant for Indigenous children, as Indigenous households are three times more likely to experience food insecurity than non-Indigenous Canadians.…”

“…[12][13][14][15][16] Adults and children have distinct experiences of food insecurity, as children are more vulnerable to resultant behavioural problems, such as decreased school attendance and performance, and poorer overall health and nutrition, despite parents' efforts to minimize food insecurity's impact. 13,17,18 A possible relationship between food insecurity and obesity may be especially relevant for Indigenous children, as Indigenous households are three times more likely to experience food insecurity than non-Indigenous Canadians. 19,20 The 2007/2008 Canadian Community Health Survey found that 20.9% of Indigenous households were food insecure, with 8.4% experiencing "severe" food insecurity.…”

The Measurement of Food Insecurity Among Children

“…Ready-to-eat and convenient foods and drinks are selectively eaten by the socially disadvantaged [29][30][31][32], and food insecurity is associated with reduced consumption of more nutritious foods including animal products, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables [33][34][35][36][37][38]. Consequently, food insecurity can lead to either excess or insufficient energy consumption [20].…”

Relation entre l’obésité et la sécurité alimentaire des ménages, les caractéristiques des ménages et le milieu scolaire chez les enfants métis et des Premières Nations vivant hors réserve au Canada : résultats de l’Enquête auprès des peuples autochtones de 2012

“…L'insécurité alimentaire est définie comme une situation dans laquelle soit la disponibilité en aliments nutritionnellement adéquats et culturellement acceptables soit l'accès à ces derniers sont restreints ou incertains 10,11 . Bien que la relation entre insécurité alimentaire et obésité puisse sembler paradoxale, les résultats scientifiques font de plus en plus état d'une association entre les deux, l'insécurité alimentaire ayant comme conséquence un manque de choix nutritifs à des prix abordables, ce qui est susceptible d'entraîner l'obésité [12][13][14][15][16] .…”

“…Les adultes et les enfants vivent des expé-riences différentes d'insécurité alimentaire, car les enfants sont plus vulnérables aux problèmes de comportement qui en résul-tent, comme une diminution de la fréquen-tation scolaire et de leurs performances, et ils bénéficient d'une santé et d'une nutrition globalement moins bonnes, malgré les efforts des parents pour minimiser l'impact de cette insécurité alimentaire 13,17,18 . La relation entre insécurité alimentaire et obésité est susceptible de se révéler particulièrement pertinente dans le cas des enfants autochtones, car les ménages autochtones sont trois fois plus susceptibles que les autres Canadiens de vivre dans l'insécurité alimentaire 19,20 .…”