Food Insecurity and Food Addiction in a Large, National Sample of Lower-Income Adults

Abstract

BackgroundGrowing research has highlighted associations between food insecurity and eating-related problems. Food addiction is one important, clinically significant pattern of problematic eating, which is related to, but distinct from, eating disorders. To date, there is only one study examining the association between food insecurity and food addiction, to our knowledge. Additional research is needed to understand the complexities of this association. ObjectiveWe examined the association between food insecurity and food addiction in a large, national convenience sample of lower-income adults and potential heterogeneity in this association by age, gender, race, and ethnicity. DesignA cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among 1780 US adults (≥18 y) with household incomes <250% of the federal poverty guideline. Household food security was assessed using the Household Food Security Survey Module. Food addiction was assessed using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS), version 2.0. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the associations between food insecurity and food addiction, adjusting for sociodemographic covariates. ResultsThe prevalence of food addiction was 7.3%, and the prevalence of food insecurity was 51%. Compared with adults with food security, adults with food insecurity endorsed each mYFAS symptom with significantly greater frequency, including failure to fulfill major role obligations (20%), continued use despite social or interpersonal problems (18%), and craving or strong desire to use (16%). After adjustment, food insecurity was associated with 3.82-fold higher odds of food addiction (95% CI 2.36, 6.19), with no significant heterogeneity by age, gender, or race and ethnicity. The most problematic foods reported by adults with food insecurity were chips, nondiet soda, chocolate, pizza, and ice cream. ConclusionThese findings provide additional support for the association between food insecurity and food addiction. Mechanistic studies are needed to explore the role of psychosocial factors, eating behaviors, and the food environment in contributing to these associations.