The United States is on the verge of another recession as a result of growing prices. However, a recent study indicates that in addition to rising unemployment and business closures, another effect might be a shift in our diets. Researchers from Sacred Heart University discovered that during a downturn, individuals eat more sweets and fatty meals and much less green vegetables and protein.

More people were impacted by the shift in the diet in families with less access to food altogether. In addition, foods of lower quality and greater processing are frequently far more affordable for consumers than wholesome ones.

A recession has a negative impact on dietary behavior 

Director of research education and associate professor of public health at Sacred Heart, Dr. Jacqueline Vernarelli, said, “Overall, we found that the Great Recession had a negative impact on dietary behaviors in both adults and children. This adds to a robust body of evidence that economic downturn impacts household income, employment status, and subsequent household food security levels.”

The researchers argue that COVID-19 is a pertinent component that impacts the modern economy, even though the research did not specifically examine its effect on nutrition.

According to Dr. Vernarelli, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused previously unheard-of rises in food insecurity and a dramatically elevated requirement for emergency food supplies and other forms of food aid. You can pinpoint locations that may require action both now and during recovery years by analyzing important intake trends during the prior recession.

More than 60,000 subjects surveyed 

Over 60,000 American children and adults provided data that the team gathered. They examined food security status and dietary habits in households before, throughout, and post the Great Recession of 2007 through 2010.

Every member of a home must have access to adequate food to lead a healthy and active lifestyle in order for there to be household food stability. Contrarily, households with food insecurity have limited or sporadic access to sufficient amounts of nutritious food. In addition, chronic illnesses and nutritional deficits are more likely to affect people who experience food insecurity.