A groundbreaking national survey conducted by the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University sheds light on the widespread support for nutrition-based health interventions in the U.S. The study, published in Health Affairs on March 12, highlights the public’s increasing recognition of the importance of healthy eating in preventing chronic conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and type-2 diabetes. Nearly 90% of respondents agreed that a nutritious diet is crucial for health, though less than 30% were familiar with the “Food is Medicine” movement.
The survey, which included over 3,000 participants from diverse demographic backgrounds, found that more than half of respondents would consider participating in programs like produce prescriptions or medically tailored meals if offered by healthcare providers. Among individuals facing food and nutrition insecurity, this interest soared to nearly 70%.
Moreover, the survey revealed strong public support for including food-based interventions in government healthcare programs. Two-thirds of respondents felt that Medicare and Medicaid should fund “Food is Medicine” initiatives, and approximately half believed that private insurance should also contribute.
According to Ronit Ridberg, a research assistant professor at Tufts’ Friedman School, the study underscores a significant gap in the healthcare system. Despite widespread awareness of the importance of food for health, only 25% of respondents reported that their primary care provider had inquired about their food security, and fewer than half discussed diet during medical visits. This disconnect, Ridberg suggests, may stem from a lack of nutrition education among healthcare providers and time constraints during patient appointments.
The survey also identified financial barriers to healthy eating. A significant 83% of respondents cited the high cost of healthy food as the primary obstacle, and over 50% believed that healthcare systems should help reimburse or provide healthy food options. Other common challenges included limited access to healthy food options in local stores, family traditions centered around unhealthy foods, and a lack of awareness about what constitutes a healthy diet.
Dariush Mozaffarian, senior author of the study, emphasized that the findings reveal a strong demand for food-based health interventions as part of comprehensive healthcare solutions. “Most Americans want to eat better, but face specific barriers,” he noted. Mozaffarian’s team advocates for increased support for food-based therapies in healthcare systems and greater investment in research and training related to nutrition.
The Tufts team is actively participating in the 2nd Annual Food is Medicine Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, where they are pushing for policy changes that include expanded nutrition training for healthcare providers and increased funding for food-based health programs under Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
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