This study aimed to measure food insecurity using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) and explore its determinants and association with body mass index (BMI) among Indian adults. The cross-sectional study involved 9005 adults from North and South India, with data collected on socio-demographic factors, dietary intake, and food security. Results showed that around 10% of participants experienced some level of food insecurity between October 2018 and February 2019. Dietary diversity was low, with half of the participants consuming ≤3 food groups per day, and the mean BMI was 24.7 kg/m². Lower dietary diversity and BMI were associated with higher food insecurity scores. Key determinants of food insecurity included region (South India), gender (higher among women), and socio-economic status (poorest wealth index). The findings highlight the need for national-level studies and policy interventions to address food insecurity and improve diet quality, particularly among women.
Source: Canva