Food Insecurity as a Risk Factor for Obesity in Low-Income Boushehrian Women

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity contributes to poor health and nutritional status such as higher prevalence of overweight and obesity and other mental and physical problems. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in low-income women living in Bushehr. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 300 Bushehrian women (19-49 years, non pregnant and non lactating). The women were interviewed for socio-economic, demographic, physical and household food security. The radimer-cornell food insecurity instrument and international physical activity questionnaire were used. For data analysis, logistic regression was conducted. Results: Overall, a majority of the households (86%) experienced food insecurity. About more than half (55%) of the women were obese. The mean body mass index of food insecure groups (30.43 ± 4.67 Kg/cm2) were significantly higher than food secure group (21.41 ± 1.61 Kg/cm2) (p<0.05). After adjusting for other variables using logistic regression, housewives (OR=3.99) and lower physical activity (OR=2.65) significantly increased as well as food security (OR= 0.04) significantly decreased the risk of obesity. Conclusion: The consumption of chip and high dense food and lower physical activity can be important reasons for overweight and obesity in food insecure women.

Keywords

• food security
• overweight
• obesity
• physical activity
• nutritional status