Obesity Food-Insecurity Paradox

40% of food insecure kids are obese


Why Hungry Children are Overweight

Though it may seem counter-intuitive, 40% of children living in lower socioeconomic households are both food insecure and obese. Research has unveiled a cascade of reasons why food-insecure kids can become obese:

  • Affordable options do not equal nutritional options. Food-insecure families cannot afford nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. They forgo healthier options because of their higher per-calorie cost. The more affordable options are often ultra-processed foods, which are high in fat, salt, and sugar. Kids who regularly consume ultra-processed foods are more likely to develop obesity and other chronic health conditions.

  • Ultra-processed foods negatively impact kids' microbiomes. The foods children eat impact the composition of their gut's microbiome—the collection of microorganisms in our body that help maintain health. Regular consumption of ultra-processed foods induces unfavorable changes in the make-up of the microbiome, promoting excessive abdominal weight and obesity.

  • Food-insecure children experience chronic stress. In the body, chronic stress promotes high levels of the hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol cues children to eat foods high in fat and sugar. Sustained periods of stress are thus associated with overeating.

  • Food insecurity promotes disordered eating patterns. For kids who are food insecure, going hungry is a reality. Periods of hunger make them worry about when they will get their next meal. Children who are food insecure develop patterns of binging or overeating when food is available because there will be times they go without food.

The bottom line

Supplemental food programs help ensure children get the healthy food options that they need.

Programs such as SNAP and Summer-EBT Program help families purchase nutrient-dense foods that can reduce the risk of obesity among food-insecure children. Lack of access to these programs, in contrast, can increase their risk of becoming overweight and obese.