Food Insecurity Increases Risk of Poor Heart Health in Young Adults
Food Insecurity Increases Risk of Poor Heart Health in Young Adults
Published in: JAMA Cardiology, March 14, 2025
1. Study Overview
• A new study published in JAMA Cardiology found that food insecurity increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life.
2. Definition of Food Insecurity
• Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to sufficient food for an active, healthy lifestyle.
• It affects one in eight Americans each year.
3. Study Population & Methods
• Data was analyzed from 3,500+ Black and white Americans, aged 18-30, who participated in the CARDIA study (1985-1986).
• Participants completed in-person surveys every five years (2000-2020) and were also contacted annually via telephone, mail, or email.
• Surveys included questions about food security.
4. Key Findings
• 15% of participants experienced food insecurity.
• These individuals were more likely to be Black and have lower educational attainment.
• CVD events (fatal/nonfatal coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral artery disease) occurred in:
• 11% of food-insecure individuals.
• 6% of food-secure individuals.
5. Conclusion & Future Research
• Food insecurity is linked to a higher risk of CVD, similar to other social deprivation factors.
• Strategies to alleviate food insecurity may help reduce CVD risk.
• Further studies are needed with larger, more diverse populations and longer follow-ups to fully understand the long-term impact of food insecurity on heart health. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamacardiology/fullarticle/2831124
