The Relationship Between Food Security Status and Overweight Amongst Women Age 16-85 Years Old

Abstract

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002 were used to examine demographic factors and BMI as it related to household food security status of women 16-85 years of age. Four designations were used to classify households: fully food secure, marginally food secure, food insecure without hunger, and food insecure with hunger. Significant relationships exist between food security and age, education, ethnicity, poverty income ratio and BMI. Women from food insecure households with hunger were at greater risk of becoming overweight. Households of compromised food security status most likely had an income between 0-130% of the poverty level. Women in households at 100-130% of the poverty level had a higher risk of obesity/morbid obesity. The more years of education women completed, the less risk they had for overweight and food insecurity. Women under 40 had a higher risk of marginal food security and food insecurity without hunger.