How food insecurity can lead to obesity. How can teachers help alleviate food insecurity if they identify this problem in children’s families?
Food insecurity can lead to less expensive, less healthy food choices that are limited in variety. In addition, children who do not have a consistent source of food may overeat when food is available. Low-income families often must choose high-fat, energy-dense, inexpensive food to maximize their calories per dollar spent. They also face additional risk factors for obesity, such as limited access to healthy and affordable foods and a lack of safe and accessible recreational facilities, parks, and walking trails that support physical activity.