Study finds young adults experiencing food insecurity are prone to binge eating when food is available

Young adults experiencing food insecurity are prone to binge eating when food is available, according to a recent study by the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health. The results of the study suggest that those who experience fluctuating levels of food availability are likely to restrict food intake when food is scarce and overeat when food is available.

The study surveyed 75 young adults living in food-insecure households multiple times each day over a two-week period. Researchers found more binge-eating symptoms occurred following instances of increased food security among young adults. But the correlation only occurred for young adults who use food assistance programs. The researchers found support for the “feast or famine” cycle hypothesis in food-insecure households.

The researchers suggested reworking the timing of food assistance benefits distribution, as the current timing may reinforce the feast or famine cycle, according to Vivienne Hazzard, co-author of the study.

“Policymakers should consider how they could provide more stable and consistent access to adequate food,” said Hazzard in the research brief. “Currently, these programs distribute benefits only once a month. Our study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests more frequent distribution of benefits may be warranted.”

According to a recent position paper by the American College of Physicians (ACP), approximately 1 in 10 Americans struggle with food insecurity. In the position paper, the ACP deemed food insecurity a “public health threat.”

According to a study published by Health Affairs, that rate may be even higher among college students, as prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 30% of college students experienced food insecurity, the article noted.

One potential way to combat food insecurity on college campuses is through campus food pantries. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that food pantries can positively impact students’ physical and mental health as well as improve their sleep quality.