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Diet and Nutrition

What Is Food Insecurity — and Who Is at Risk?

Food insecurity doesn’t always mean you’re hungry and losing weight.

Lauren Smith, MASanjai Sinha, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD
Updated on October 1, 2025
Reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD | October 1, 2025

People who are food insecure may not have a consistent or adequate income to buy nutritious foods. Others who are food insecure may lack access to nutritious foods, even if they could afford it. Food insecurity can affect physical and mental health, as well as quality of life.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Reviewed by:
Sanjai Sinha, MD
Sanjai Sinha, MD, is a board-certified physician with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in internal medicine.

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