Abstract
OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to investigate the association between food assistance program participation and overweight/obesity according to poverty level.METHODSA cross-sectional analysis of data from 46,217 non-pregnant and non-lactating women in Lima, Peru was conducted; these data were obtained from nationally representative surveys from the years 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2008-2010. The dependent variable was overweight/obesity, and the independent variable was food assistance program participation. Poisson regression was used to stratify the data by family socioeconomic level, area of residence (Lima versus the rest of the country; urban versus rural), and survey year (2003-2006 versus 2008-2010). The models were adjusted for age, education level, urbanization, and survey year.RESULTSFood assistance program participation was associated with an increased risk of overweight/obesity in women living in homes without poverty indicators [prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06;1.57]. When stratified by area of residence, similar associations were observed for women living in Lima and urban areas; no associations were found between food assistance program participation and overweight/obesity among women living outside of Lima or in rural areas, regardless of the poverty status.CONCLUSIONSFood assistance program participation was associated with overweight/obesity in non-poor women. Additional studies are required in countries facing both aspects of malnutrition.
Highlights
Obesity is no longer a problem exclusive to developed countries
Food assistance program participation was associated with overweight/obesity in non-poor women
Data from national representative surveys show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women has almost doubled from 31.0% in 1992a to 55.0% in 2012.b The association between obesity and socioeconomic status in Peru is mixed: obesity is higher among wealthier women but lower among those with higher education.[8]
Summary
Obesity is no longer a problem exclusive to developed countries. In Peru, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has steadily increased over time. Data from national representative surveys show that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among women has almost doubled from 31.0% in 1992a to 55.0% in 2012.b The association between obesity and socioeconomic status in Peru is mixed: obesity is higher among wealthier women but lower among those with higher education.[8] Despite the observed increase in overweight and obesity, virtually, no prevention efforts are being made and the Ministry of Health has yet to develop the infrastructure required to combat obesity and associated chronic diseases.[6] Given the relatively high overweight and obesity prevalence observed in Peru, the upward trend in prevalence, and the high costs associated with the consequences of obesity, it is critical for the government to identify and implement successful obesity prevention strategies In this sense, food assistance programs (FAP) deserve closer attention
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