Experiencing food insecurity in early childhood is linked to poorer heart health two decades later, particularly a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), according to a study by Northwestern Medicine. However, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may significantly reduce this risk. The study was published on May 14 in JAMA Cardiology.
The findings come at a time when Congress is debating potential cuts to SNAP, which currently supports 41 million people across the United States. Emily Lam, the first author and a third-year medical student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, stated, “SNAP may be one of our most powerful tools to protect food-insecure children’s long-term heart health.” She emphasized that these findings highlight the importance of SNAP in supporting children's health nationwide amid funding threats.
Food insecurity affects one in eight U.S. households annually. The Northwestern scientists used data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study, which tracks over 1,000 children born between 1998 and 2000 in 20 U.S. cities from birth into adulthood. They assessed cardiovascular health at age 22 using metrics such as BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, physical activity, diet, and sleep.
At baseline, 39% of children experienced food insecurity. Those who did not receive SNAP had worse cardiovascular health at age 22 compared to those who did participate in SNAP. Children receiving SNAP showed similar heart health outcomes to their peers from food-secure households.
“Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.,” said Lam. “If we can reduce those risks early in life through a program like SNAP, that’s a win for public health.”
The study stands out by focusing on children rather than adults and tracking them into adulthood over two decades. Dr. Nilay Shah, senior author and assistant professor of cardiology at Feinberg and a Northwestern Medicine cardiologist noted: "Understanding the link between food insecurity in childhood and long-term heart health helps reinforce the importance of nutrition assistance policies."
The research also underscores the role of healthcare providers in screening for food insecurity and connecting families with resources like SNAP.
Preliminary evidence suggests girls facing food insecurity might be at greater risk for poor cardiovascular outcomes than boys; however, further research is needed. Future studies could explore other interventions promoting food access such as community gardens or school lunch programs.
This study was funded by several grants including those from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among others.