In the United States, nearly 15 percent of households have limited or uncertain access to food—what researchers refer to as “food insecurity.” Healthy Eating Research has synthesized the research exploring the relationship between food insecurity and obesity in the United States, particularly involving children and families. Key findings summarized in the synthesis include:

• Most studies have identified no direct relationship between food insecurity and obesity among children.

• Women who are food insecure are more likely to be obese than women who are not, but it’s not clear that food insecurity promotes increased weight over time.

• There is no evidence that use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits increases the risk of obesity among children.

• There is little evidence that participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program puts youths at higher risk of obesity.