Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to enough safe, nutritious and affordable food for an active and healthy life. It remains a major global public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where poverty, conflict, climate change and rising food prices can limit people’s access to adequate nutrition (1).
The impact of food insecurity on health is significant. Poor access to nutritious food can lead to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among children, pregnant women and other vulnerable groups. Inadequate nutrition can weaken the immune system, impair physical and cognitive development, and increase susceptibility to infections and disease (2). Children experiencing food insecurity are also at greater risk of conditions such as stunting, wasting and anaemia, which can affect their growth, learning and long-term health (3).
Food insecurity does not only cause undernutrition. People who cannot afford healthy foods may depend on cheaper, energy-dense foods that are often high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. This can increase the risk of overweight, obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes (4). Consequently, food insecurity can contribute to the double burden of malnutrition, where undernutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases occur within the same population.
The effects of food insecurity also extend to mental health. Constant uncertainty about obtaining enough food can cause stress, anxiety and psychological distress. Research has linked food insecurity with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems (5). These effects can reduce quality of life and make it more difficult for individuals to prevent or manage existing health conditions.
Food insecurity can therefore affect health throughout the life course. From impaired childhood development and weakened immunity to increased risks of chronic diseases and poor mental health, inadequate access to nutritious food can have consequences that extend far beyond hunger.
Addressing food insecurity requires more than simply providing food. Governments, communities, organizations and individuals must work together to improve household incomes, strengthen social protection programmes, support sustainable food production and ensure that nutritious foods are affordable and accessible (1).
Food is not a privilege; it is a basic necessity for good health. We must support policies and programmes that make nutritious food accessible to vulnerable populations, strengthen food security and address the economic conditions that force families to compromise on what they eat. By tackling food insecurity today, we can prevent disease, protect vulnerable groups and build healthier communities for tomorrow.
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References
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), & World Health Organization (WHO). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025. FAO, 2025.
https://www.fao.org/publications/sofi/2025/en/ - World Health Organization (WHO). Malnutrition. WHO, 2024.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition - UNICEF, WHO & World Bank Group. Levels and Trends in Child Malnutrition: Key Findings of the 2023 Edition. UNICEF, 2023.
https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-report-2023/ - World Health Organization (WHO). Healthy Diet. WHO, 2024.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2024. FAO, 2024.
https://www.fao.org/publications/home/fao-flagship-publications/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world/en/
