Food Insecurity and Anxiety: Possible Mechanisms, Risk Groups, and the Role of the Dietitian
Keywords:
Anxiety, Food insecurity, Mental health, Public healthAbstract
Food security is defined as the state in which all people have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to maintain an active and healthy life. Restricted access to food may be associated with an increased prevalence of mental health problems. Persistent concerns about access to food may impose a significant psychosocial stress burden on households and may be associated with an increased risk of anxiety disorders characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry about daily events. Anxiety and stress levels may also be higher among specific risk groups, such as pregnant women, parents who skip meals to prioritize their children's nutritional needs, and students facing high living costs. In conclusion, food insecurity is a significant public health issue that may be associated with poorer mental health and quality of life, rather than being merely a biological hunger problem. As uncertainty regarding access to food may contribute to mental health problems, particularly anxiety, policies developed to ensure food security should adopt a holistic approach that addresses nutritional needs while also considering potential mental health consequences. The aim of this review is to evaluate the relationship between food insecurity and anxiety in light of the current evidence, elucidate the underlying biological and psychosocial mechanisms of this relationship, and highlight the role of dietitians in managing food insecurity.
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