UC Irvine

We explored the role of dietary factors, as measured by individual behaviors and neighborhood produce availability, in the relationship between food insecurity and obesity among a representative sample of Latinos in California. We utilized data from the 2012, 2013/2014 California Health Interview Survey and included Latinos aged 18-65 years and under 200% of the federal poverty line (n=5,957). We conducted logistic regressions to first estimate the association between food insecurity and obesity and then examine whether this association remained significant after adjusting for soda and fast food consumption, perceived neighborhood fresh produce environment, and covariates. Latina women, and not men, were significantly more likely to be obese if they were very food insecure (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.03-2.19). After adjusting for diet and neighborhood variables, only neighborhood affordability of fresh produce reduced this significant association. Policy efforts to remediate obesity among food insecurity households should focus on the affordability of neighborhood fresh produce.