The association of food insecurity on body mass index change in a pediatric weight management intervention
Authors' conclusion
When comparing the BMI effect of the HWC between the food insecure group and food secure group, those experiencing food insecurity in the HWC had an increase in BMI compared to those with food security. These findings suggest that food insecurity may reduce the effectiveness of PWMIs consistent with national recommendations; however, more studies should be conducted to better understand this relationship.
Study context
- Population
- Children in the Healthy Weight Clinic (HWC), a Pediatric Weight Management Intervention (PWMI) consistent with national treatment recommendations
- Participants
- 201 children
- Exposure
- Food insecure vs food secure households in a pediatric weight management intervention
- Outcome
- BMI and %BMIp95 change per year
Methodological detailslinear mixed models, adjusted for baseline body mass index (BMI), age, sex and SNAP enrolment
- Linear mixed models
- Adjusted for baseline BMI, age, sex and SNAP enrolment
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs food secureBMI increase per year, kg/m2 (CI)
Food insecure
0.50(0.26–0.74)
Each group vs food secure%BMIp95 increase per year (CI)
Food insecure
2.10(1.02–3.19)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Original publication
The association of food insecurity on body mass index change in a pediatric weight management intervention. Pediatr Obes. Published 7 September 2023. doi:10.
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