From 1999 to 2000, just under 9% of Americans reported experiencing 'food insecurity.'
Now, UPI reports a new study reveals that in 2015-16, that percentage more than doubled to over 18%.
In addition, nearly 23% of obese adults across the country reported a lack of access to healthy food in 2015-16.
The findings highlight how food insecurity can lead not only to reduced food intake, but also a less healthy diet and poor eating habits.
Food insecurity is a growing health issue among adults in the U.S and our study further solidifies food insecurity's link to unhealthy body weight.
Study co-author Candice A.
Myers Director, Social Determinants and Health Disparities Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
Of the 50,000 people surveyed, obese Hispanic adults were hit hardest.
Food insecurity for them increased from 19% in 1999-2000 to 38% in 2015-16.