We evaluated the prevalence and correlates of household food insecurity (HFI) in participants attending weight management and bariatric surgery programs (WMP). We surveyed participants (N = 298) residing with a child and romantic partner from two WMP offering bariatric surgery and medical weight management. We assessed HFI using the Hunger Vital Sign and conducted multivariate logistic regression to assess correlates of HFI. HFI was present in 29.2% of participants. There were increased odds of HFI in participants with lower income and those with three or more children living at home. There was no association with sex, race, program type, education, or BMI. HFI is highly prevalent among participants of WMP. WMP should screen all participants for food insecurity to address this potential barrier to a healthy lifestyle.
Keywords: Bariatric surgery; Food insecurity; Obesity; Weight; Weight management.