From 1999 to 2000, just under 9% of Americans reported experiencing 'food insecurity.'<br />Now, UPI reports a new study reveals that in 2015-16, that percentage more than doubled to over 18%.<br />In addition, nearly 23% of obese adults across the country reported a lack of access to healthy food in 2015-16.<br />The findings highlight how food insecurity can lead not only to reduced food intake, but also a less healthy diet and poor eating habits.<br />Food insecurity is a growing health issue among adults in the U.S and our study further solidifies food insecurity's link to unhealthy body weight. Study co-author Candice A. Myers Director, Social Determinants and Health Disparities Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center.<br />Of the 50,000 people surveyed, obese Hispanic adults were hit hardest. Food insecurity for them increased from 19% in 1999-2000 to 38% in 2015-16.
