Food insecurity, dietary patterns and obesity: A cross-sectional study

The definition of food insecurity is the lack of regular access to safe, nutritious food necessary for the growth of individuals and households. This study was conducted on 250 administrative staff of a private university between February and November 2023 to examine how food insecurity correlates with dietary patterns and obesity. A face-to-face questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, physical activity, anthropometric measurements, the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and a retrospective 24-hour food recall used for data collection. Results indicated 79.6% were food secure, 12.4% mildly food insecure, 4% moderately food insecure, and 4% severely food insecure. 23.2% had risky waist circumference and 18.8% had high risk waist circumference. According to BMI, 37.2% were overweight and 12.4% were obese. The analysis reveals a statistically significant difference in the age variable among food insecurity groups (p=0.027<0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation exists between education level and food insecurity groups (p=0.042<0.05). Upon analyzing anthropometric measurements, the BMI, waist circumference, and food insecurity groups did not significantly correlate (p>0.05). Analysis of food consumption records data revealed a statistically significant difference in the percentage of fat, niacin, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium and zinc according to the RDA between the food insecurity groups (p<0.05). Although no significant relationship emerged between food insecurity and obesity via anthropometric measurements, dietary pattern data indicated that food insecurity heightened obesity risks. Food insecurity is cyclical across life stages. Given the serious consequences of food insecurity, including obesity, multidisciplinary collaboration between doctors, dietitians and other public health professionals is vital. Keywords: BMI, Food Insecurity, Nutritional Status, Obesity, Waist Circumference