5 Surprising Consequences of Food Insecurity in Young Adults

Over 37 million U.S. residents struggle to put food on their tables, with at least 11 million children going hungry regularly. That’s a lot of hungry people. The consequences can be far-reaching, putting millions of people at risk for largely preventable health issues. And the consequences may be further reaching than we ever imagined.

The combined effects of ongoing hunger and malnutrition combined with a diet of cheap, unhealthy foods can significantly increase the risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, asthma, mental health issues and insomnia.

Obesity

Going hungry is stressful, and over time, that stress can have harmful effects on metabolism. A recent study showed that people who struggle with food insecurity can undergo chemical changes that make them more likely to suffer from binge-eating behaviors and weight gain. These same changes can contribute to insulin resistance.

Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin resistance, if left unaddressed—which is likely given the state of medical costs—can eventually develop into type 2 diabetes, and nowhere is this more prevalent than among the poor. A person with limited access to food is over twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes. One reason is that low-income people often rely on calorie-dense, high-fat, high-carb diets due to the cheaper costs of processed and fast foods. That, combined with reduced access to fresh fruits and vegetables as food deserts predominantly impact the poor, can create a perfect storm for diabetes and other metabolic issues.

Asthma

Chronic inflammation associated with nutrient-poor diets may also contribute to higher rates of asthma. Researchers have long suspected a connection between diet and lung inflammation. Some have found increased asthma risks in people who eat diets high in processed and refined foods. These people are also at a higher risk of developing bronchitis and other respiratory infections.

Mental Health Issues

A nutrient-poor diet can make a person nearly twice as likely to suffer from mental health issues. This is because the brain relies on certain building blocks to function properly, and when it’s fed loads of sugar and other empty calories instead, optimal functioning suffers. When a person is not getting enough food, let alone enough of the right foods, mood and regulation systems may also suffer. People who grow up in food-insecure households are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety—and they’re nearly three times as likely to attempt suicide.

Insomnia

Limited access to healthy food may also increase the likelihood of developing poor sleep quality and insomnia. Some researchers believe there’s a connection between food insecurity, insomnia and obesity. They theorize that a poor diet leads to poor sleep, which puts chronic stress on the body that leads to metabolic changes and weight gain. Regardless of how they connect, both conditions may be traced back to a nutrient-poor diet.

Food insecurity affects far too many people in this country, and the impacts can interfere with nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Those of us who are not food-insecure can make a real and lasting impact by helping the hungry. Some steps might include donating food to your local food bank. Organizations like No Kid Hungry work to connect children with resources including school meals. If you're food-insecure, Feeding America helps to gather resources into one place, making it easier. Proper nutrition today could give this newest generation a chance for a healthier tomorrow.

Copyright 2019, Wellness.com