Incidence of Food Insecurity Risk Factors Within a Large, Obesogenic Regional Community: A Population-based Study

Abstract

Aim: This descriptive study examined the incidence of food insecurity indicators in a large regional community, in Queensland, Australia, where high rates of obesity and corresponding obesity-driven non-communicable diseases are present. The implications of food insecurity in a large regional community are due to findings within the literature that demonstrate an association between mild-to-moderate food insecurity and a higher incidence of overweight or obesity. This concept was termed the ‘food insecurity obesity paradox’ within the literature. Subject and Methods: Six key food insecurity risk factors were examined using chi-square analysis and odds ratio, including education level, unemployment, single-parent status, rental status, Indigenous heritage, and young people. Publicly available information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics was utilized for data analysis.Results: Analysis indicated that social inequity, associated with food insecurity may result in higher obesity levels within regional Australia. These findings were even more pronounced among females, young people, and Indigenous community members, who had a higher incidence of corresponding social and cultural determinants that influenced experience of food system inequity. Conclusion: The present study has indicated that high rates of obesity in ‘at risk’ communities, government policies designed to create social mobility to address social inequity, may be effective in decreasing obesity rates and the associated corresponding chronic disease burden.