Physical and mental health outcomes associated with prior food insecurity among young adults

Following a biopsychosocial model of food insecurity, this study examined differences in physical health and mental health outcomes among young adults (N=98) with and without a history of food insecurity. Young adults with a history of food insecurity had higher average levels of body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, depressive symptoms, stress, and disordered eating scores than individuals with no history of food insecurity. No differences were found with symptoms of anxiety. Future research should examine interventions targeted at decreasing negative mental health outcomes and risk for overweight among young adults who have experienced food insecurity.