Work

The relationship between food insecurity and emotional eating during the coronavirus pandemic in northern California

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This cross-sectional study examined the association between food insecurity and emotional eating and explored correlations between emotional eating and dietary behavior in the U.S during the pandemic. Participants ( N = 515, 77.1 % female, 44.1 ± 14.7 years old) completed a validated online survey between August and November of 2020 including questions about food security and eating behaviors. A multivariable linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between food insecurity and emotional eating. Pearson correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between emotional eating and dietary behavior Overall, 31.3 % of the participants experienced food insecurity. Food insecurity was associated with higher emotional eating in the crude model (beta = 0.33; 95 % confidence level [CL]: 0.15, 0.52), but not in the fully adjusted regression model (beta = 0.15; 95 % CL: −0.06, 0.37). Intakes of sugary snacks ( r = 0.16, p < 0.01) and salty snacks ( r = 0.14, p < 0.01) were weakly positively correlated with higher emotional eating scores, while the intakes of vegetables ( r = −0.13, p < 0.01) and alcohol ( r = −0.09, p = 0.03) were negatively correlated with emotional eating In this study, emotional eating was not associated with food insecurity and was weakly positively correlated with the intake of energy-dense foods. The relationship between food insecurity and emotional eating is complex and not yet clearly defined. Examination of longitudinal associations between emotional eating, food insecurity, and energy-dense foods is warranted. • Nearly one third of participants experienced food insecurity. • Food insecurity was associated with higher emotional eating in the crude model. • However, food insecurity was not associated with emotional eating in the adjusted model. • Emotional eating was weakly positively correlated with the intake of energy-dense foods.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103010

Authors: Andreza S.B. Souza, Marcelle M. Dougan, Giselle A.P. Pignotti

Institution: San Jose State University

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610