Thursday, April 24, 12noon-1:30pm, Kirwan Institute [Conference Room 101], 33 W. 11th Ave. [this event will also be occurring via Zoom]

Parallel to the increasing rates of obesity and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, household food insecurity (HFI) is at an all-time high. Individuals with HFI experience barriers in accessing healthy foods and finding opportunities for physical activity, contributing to the development of obesity and related chronic conditions (e.g. Type 2 Diabetes). Our research and others have identified that adults seeking weight management, specifically metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), have increased rates of HFI compared to the U.S. average (30% vs. 12%). MBS patients with HFI are likely at risk of poor postoperative outcomes, given the economic and food-related barriers they experience. Yet, no interventions have been developed for this at-risk group.

To address these gaps, the Bariatric Neighborhoods (BARI-hoods) project was developed with the overarching goal of understanding relevant social determinants of health in patients’ neighborhoods to inform future community and healthcare infrastructure interventions for MBS patients. During this research forum, Dr. Keeley Pratt will (a.) discuss the broader and historical research and practice-gaps related to HFI and weight management, (b.) provide an overview of the BARI-hoods project and relevant findings in Franklin County and Ohio; and (c.) will share policy and practice recommendations to address the limited work and disparities in this area.

Register for in-person attendance here.

Register for virtual attendance here.

Hosted by Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University.