Investigation of the hunger-obesity paradigm among shelter-based homeless women living in Minnesota

A 264-item survey evaluated how two shelter environments influenced homeless women's health (n = 259). Measured heights and weights determined obesity prevalence. Nonparametric tests evaluated body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake data. Principle components analysis reduced the data and correlations were made to BMI and dietary intake. Almost 80% had a BMI ≥ 25 and 67% were food insecure. Median milk intake was significantly different between shelters (1.0 [S1] vs 0.5 [S2], P < 0.05). Most servings were from the fats/sugars group (median servings: 19.6 [S1]; 15.1 [S2], P = 0.73). Obesity is a public health problem among homeless women, with shelter environments limiting the modification of associated risk factors.