The association between food insecurity and obesity, a body shape index and body roundness index among US adults

Abstract

Research has established a positive association between food insecurity and obesity, typically assessed by body mass index (BMI); However, studies examining the relationship between food insecurity and measures of body fat content and distribution are lacking. The aim of this study was to examine the association between food insecurity and obesity ([BMI] ≥ 30 kg/m2) and body fat indicators assessed by body roundness index ([BRI] > 6.72) and a body shape index ([ABSI] > 0.08). This is a cross-sectional study using NHANES data 2007–2020. Household food security was assessed by U.S. Food Security Survey Module questionnaire. Multivariable-adjusted binary logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% CIs. Compared to those with full food security, the adjusted ORs for obesity were 1.28 (95% CI:1.18, 1.39), 1.40 (95% CI:1.28, 1.53), and 1.43 (95% CI:1.30, 1.57) for those with marginal, low and very low food security, respectively. The corresponding ORs for high BRI were, respectively, 1.39 (95% CI:1.26, 1.52), 1.50 (95% CI:1.36, 1.66), and 1.60 (95% CI:1.43, 1.78). Similar results were observed for ABSI. The analyses of BMI suggested a potential sex difference, as significant associations were found in women, but not in men. This study confirms previous evidence of the positive association between food insecurity and obesity among US adults.