Food insecurity indicators of 14 OECD countries in a health economics aspect: A comparative analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Food insecurity is a critical issue that refers to a lack of access to adequate food to support a healthy and active lifestyle. This problem has wide-reaching effects and can negatively impact health, education, and overall well-being. Addressing food insecurity requires a multifaceted approach that involves the efforts of governments, organizations, and individuals to ensure access to a balanced and nutritious diet for all. Methods: The aim of this study is to shed light on macro-level models and evaluate food insecurity risk in international comparisons. We considered six criteria to evaluate food insecurity risk in terms of health expenditure, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and GDP growth rate among 14 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. We developed a modeling approach in three stages to compare food insecurity risk and discussed the reasons for the rankings of the countries based on the model results. Results: According to our findings, the United States has the lowest food insecurity risk, while Colombia has the highest. The results suggest that economic factors, such as GDP per capita and GDP growth rate, play a significant role in food insecurity risk. The study highlights the importance of addressing economic disparities and promoting economic growth to reduce food insecurity. Discussion: This study provides insights into the relationship between food insecurity and economic factors, indicating that addressing economic disparities and promoting economic growth can reduce food insecurity. Future research using similar models to link economic outcomes with important health components such as nutrition and physical activity could provide a foundation for policy development.