Food Security and Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome

This study assessed the association of food security with potential cardio-metabolic risk factors among persons with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Data were derived from the baseline data of a randomized controlled lifestyle intervention trial for individuals with MetS. Household food security, fruit and vegetable intake, perceived food environment, and perceived stress were collected using validated questionnaires. Cardio-metabolic measures assessed with standardized procedures included body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, HbA1c, and lipids. Regression models adjusted for demographics, medication use, and perceived stress were performed. Of a total of 664 participants (median age 56), the majority were female, non-Hispanic White, college-educated, and employed. Food insecurity affected 23% (n = 152), with 5% (n = 31) experiencing very low food security. Food-insecure individuals had significantly higher stress (<i>p</i> < 0.001), lacked healthy food access (<i>p</i> < 0.001), were and less likely to consume ≥2 servings of vegetables/day (<i>p</i> = 0.003). HbA1c was the only cardio-metabolic measure significantly associated with food security (<i>p</i> = 0.007). The link between food insecurity and elevated HbA1c levels highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity and stress to improve metabolic health outcomes in the MetS population.