Background

Food insecurity (FI) can be defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active and healthy life. FI affects roughly 10% of the US population and 17% of the Durham County population. The effects of FI in the bariatric surgery population have not been well studied.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients that underwent bariatric surgery between 2017-2019 at a single institution was performed. A validated, six question U.S Adult Food Security Survey was completed by each patient during their first visit. Scores were graded based on degree of food security (FS): 0-2 high/marginal, 3-5 low and 6-10 very low. Outcomes at 6- and 12-months were measured. T test were used to compare patient characteristics. Patients with FS scores >3 were grouped in cohort.

Results

390 patients were included. 13% (52) of patients reported low to very low FS scores. Food insecurity was more commonly seen in females (76% vs 90%, p.02) (Table 1). The FI cohort had comparable pre-operative BMI (44.3 vs 44.2, p=0.2), fat mass (139 vs. 139.5 lbs, p>0.5), pre-operative weight (270 vs 264, p>0.5) and A1c (5.8 vs 5.8, p>0.5). These outcomes were similar at the 6- and 12-month post-operative visit in both groups (Table 1).

Conclusions

Though food insecurity can pose a challenge for patients, those with FI see the same benefits following bariatric surgery through 12 months. The impact of FI on longer term bariatric outcomes should be further studied.