Degree Type

Open Access Capstone

Publication Date

Spring 5-10-2026

Abstract

Food insecurity and obesity are interconnected public health challenges that disproportionately affect low-income populations in the United States. Although food insecurity has historically been associated with undernutrition, current evidence demonstrates that limited access to affordable, nutritious foods contributes to obesity and chronic disease. This paper presents a PRISMA-informed systematic review evaluating evidence-based interventions targeting food insecurity and adult obesity. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2022 and 2025 were analyzed from PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases. Findings demonstrated that economic hardship, food deserts, and behavioral factors contribute to poor dietary choices and increased obesity risk among food-insecure adults. Nutrition incentive programs improved fruit and vegetable intake; however, financial support alone did not consistently produce long-term health improvements. Evidence strongly supported healthcare-integrated “Food as Medicine” interventions, including produce prescription programs, medically tailored meals, nutrition counseling, and multidisciplinary care coordination. This paper proposes a healthcare-integrated Food as Medicine model supported through partnerships with healthcare systems, community organizations, and public health agencies, along with reimbursement mechanisms through SNAP and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services initiatives. Integrating nutrition interventions into healthcare delivery represents a scalable, evidence-based strategy for improving food security, reducing obesity and chronic disease burden, and advancing health equity among vulnerable populations.

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Community Engaged/Serving

Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage

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