Abstract

Food insecurity is a significant public health outcome that contributes to the prevalence and severity of chronic respiratory conditions in both childhood and adulthood, including asthma, cystic fibrosis and COPD. Food insecurity influences health outcomes through multiple mechanisms, including poverty, poor dietary diversity and inadequate nutrition. However, it can be difficult to untangle the solitary effects of food insecurity from the broader associated adverse determinants of health. The goal of this chapter is to review the impact of food insecurity on respiratory outcomes in children and adults, as well as outline steps that can be taken to mitigate these effects at local, regional and national levels.

Cite as: Abrams EM. Food insecurity and respiratory ill health. In: Sinha IP, Lee A, Katikireddi SV, et al., eds. Inequalities in Respiratory Health (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2023; pp. 61–67 [https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10003722].