Addressing Social Determinants of Health via Food as Medicine Interventions to Improve Cardiometabolic Health
Year: 2023
Type: editorial
Abstract: n their recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, Hager et al 1 evaluated the impact of food as medicine interventions on fruit and vegetable consumption, food security status, selfreported health, and clinical outcomes, including HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and BMI Z score, among adults and children who participated in multiple produce prescription programs across the United States.They analyzed individual-level, self-report, and biomarker data from participants who received financial incentives to purchase fruits and vegetables via produce prescription programs.Participants demonstrated, or were at risk for, poor cardiometabolic health, including overweight/obesity, diabetes, or elevated blood pressure for adults and overweight/obesity for children.Importantly, adults and children who participated in these programs were largely food insecure and receiving care from a health center located in a lowincome neighborhood.Overall, Hager et al found significant health improvements post-intervention.As noted by the authors, food as medicine interventions, such as produce prescription programs, hold promise for preventing and treating chronic conditions and diseases, especially those that are diet sensitive and can be improved with consistent healthful diets.1,2 The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the editors or of the American Heart Association.
Author: Candice A. Myers
Institution: Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4386254075