Researchers have been trying to better understand why metabolic syndrome, a group of health conditions that increases risk for serious heart disease and diabetes, disproportionately impacts Latina populations.

Now, a Michigan Medicine-led study among a large cohort of reproductive age female Latinx individuals suggests not having reliable access to food is significantly associated with the disease. 

Researchers analyzed data from 584 people enrolled in a community-based cohort, Environment, Leiomyomas, Latinas, and Adiposity Study, with an average age of 38.

Nearly a quarter of participants, or 203, had metabolic syndrome. Those with lower food security were more likely to be diagnosed with the condition – with a third of participants with high food security having the disease compared to nearly half with low food security.

The findings were presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, ENDO 2023.

First author Emily Ferrell, M.D., a fellow in the Michigan Medicine division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility, noted that even in high-income countries like the United States “some people worry daily about from where their next meal will come.”

“Food security is a key social determinant of health that needs to be better studied in this population known to be at increased risk for developing metabolic syndrome,” she said.

“Focusing efforts on improved food security through education and improved access has the potential to reduce cardiovascular, metabolic, and reproductive adverse health outcomes.”

Metabolic syndrome is based on a group of five criteria that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke and other health problems.

People are diagnosed with the condition when they have three or more risk factors, which include high blood glucose, lower levels of HDL cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, large waist circumference and high blood pressure.

We know that food security is an important social determinant of health and that people with low food security and without reliable consistent access to nutritious food have poorer health outcomes.”  Erica E. Marsh, M.D.

The risk of developing the condition is increasing significantly among Hispanics, the younger population (age 20-39) and women. Previous studies have found a roughly 33% prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the U.S. overall, with a higher rate among Hispanics at closer to 35%.

Reasons for these trends are unknown and likely due to several factors, says study principal investigator and senior author Erica E. Marsh, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School and chief of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at U-M Health Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, of Michigan Medicine.

“We know that food security is an important social determinant of health and that people with low food security and without reliable consistent access to nutritious food have poorer health outcomes. These data provide yet another example of the critical interaction between our social lived experience and our health,” Marsh said.

“We need to further study the link between food security and disease in high-risk populations to help us develop comprehensive and culturally tailored strategies that address the root causes of food insecurity and promote better health outcomes for all.”

Additional authors include Samantha Schon, M.D.; Li Jiang, M.S.; Felix Valbuena, M.D.; Maricela Castillo-Mackenzie, M.D.; Emma Manuel, M.D.; Lisa Neff, M.D.; Mercedes Carnethon, M.D., and Donna Baird, Ph.D.   

Study cited:  “The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Food Security in a Reproductive Age Latina/Latinx Population,” ENDO 2023 poster abstract.