The COVID-19, Obesity, and Food Insecurity Syndemic

Authors

Sydney Pryor, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA. sydneypryor@gwu.edu.
William Dietz, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2-9-2022

Journal

Current obesity reports

DOI

10.1007/s13679-021-00462-w

Keywords

COVID-19; Essential workforce; Food insecurity; Obesity; Sustainable food systems; Syndemic

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To introduce and provide evidence for the new Syndemic of COVID-19, Obesity, and Food Insecurity and propose strategies for mitigating its impact, particularly among vulnerable populations. RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated obesity, food insecurity, and the existing inequities in the essential workforce. Food insecurity is driven by unsustainable dietary patterns and is associated with higher rates of obesity, which increases the risk of COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the essential food supply chain workforce. Strengthening the social safety net and expanding worker protections will increase food security and secure livelihoods during and beyond the scope of the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening local and regional food systems provides a common solution to both the new Syndemic of COVID-19, Obesity, and Food Insecurity and the Global Syndemic of Obesity, Undernutrition, and Climate Change by promoting sustainable food production and consumption, and prioritizing the food supply chain workforce.

APA Citation

Pryor, Sydney and Dietz, William, "The COVID-19, Obesity, and Food Insecurity Syndemic" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 310.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/310

Department

Prevention and Community Health