Exploring the Relationship of Healthy Lifestyle Characteristics with Food Behaviors of Low-

Background and Purpose:

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), this research explored the relationship between four healthy lifestyle characteristics  - healthy weight, adequate daily fruit and vegetable intake, regular moderate to vigorous physical activity and not smoking - with food behaviors of low-income, food insecure women.  The study examined three specific food behaviors (the use of SNAP, consumption of fast foods, and the utilization of community emergency food programs) to determine if these behaviors had a significant impact on low-income, food insecure women to follow healthy lifestyle characteristics. 

Obesity has become a devastating and costly epidemic in our country.  More than two in three adults are considered to be overweight or obese, which places them at risk for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other serious medical conditions (NIH, 2012).  Along with the rise in obesity, there has been a significant increase in the number of food insecure women in the US.  Research demonstrates consistent evidence for a higher risk of overweight and obesity among low income, food insecure women (FRAC, 2011).  This study illustrates the importance of understanding the food behaviors of low-income, food insecure woman in order to aid in the prevention of diseases caused by obesity. 

Methods:  A secondary data analysis using NHANES self-reported surveys from 2007-2012 was conducted using binary logistic regression for the analysis.  The study sample included low-income, food insecure women ages 18 and above.  Once missing data were removed, the total sample size was 589.          

Results: Results of this study indicate there are no significant relationships between adherence to two or more of the four healthy lifestyle characteristics (healthy weight, adequate daily fruit and vegetable intake, regular moderate to vigorous physical activity and not smoking) with: (1) the use of SNAP, (2) the consumption of fast foods or (3) the utilization of community emergency food programs. 

Conclusion and Implications: Research demonstrates consistent evidence for a higher risk of overweight and obesity among low income, food insecure women (FRAC, 2011).  This study illustrates the importance of understanding the food behaviors of low-income, food insecure woman in order to aid in the prevention of diseases caused by obesity.  Although the research results from this study were not significant, it was clearly demonstrated that most Americans do not adhere to the four healthy lifestyle characteristics.  The implications of this research enable social workers and other health professionals to understand how food behaviors may be a key factor in reducing or eliminating food insecurity and obesity of low income, food insecure women in the US.  Furthermore, this research provides a basis to intervene with preventative health recommendations and advocacy in health policy to ensure these women have improved opportunities for good health.