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Consequences of Food Insecurity <br />The Hunger-Obesity Paradox <br /> Individuals experiencing food insecurity are more likely to be obese or overweight than those who are not. <br /> Holds for adults and children. <br /> This is especially true for low-income women, who often restrict their food intake to protect their children <br />from hunger <br />Why does this occur? <br /> Stretching food budgets by purchasing cheap, energy-dense foods that are filling (maximizing <br />calories/dollar) <br /> Overeat when food does become available, resulting in chronic ups and downs in food intake <br /> When available, healthy food – especially fresh produce – is often of poorer quality in lower income <br />neighborhoods, which diminishes appeal. <br /> Fewer opportunities for physical activity in low-income neighborhoods <br /> High levels of stress <br /> Greater exposure to marketing of obesity-promoting products <br /> Limited access to health care <br /> <br /> <br />