Food insecurity and weight status among low income, ethnic minority adolescents

Background: Both food insecurity and obesity are disproportionately experienced by low-income, ethnic minority youth. However, the relationship between food insecurity and weight status is mixed. This study examined the relationship between food insecurity and weight status among high-risk youth. Methods: In Fall 2017, low-income, ethnic minority adolescents (n=197) were recruited from a Houston-area school. Students self-reported demographic information and free/reduced school meal participation was obtained from the school. Height and weight were measured and used to categorize weight status according to CDC guidelines. The nine-item USDA Child Food Security Survey Module assessed food insecurity. Descriptive statistics were computed, and a multivariate regression model was conducted in which weight classification was regressed onto food insecurity. Results: Participants were aged 14.96±1.82. The majority of participants were Hispanic (78%) and received free/reduced school meals (81%). Adolescents with food insecurity had 2.5 greater odds (95% CI: 1.21-5.31) of having overweight status than normal weight status. However, experiencing food insecurity did not predict obesity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the relationship between food insecurity and weight status is not proportional. Longitudinal research is needed to help disentangle the relationship between food insecurity and weight status.