Current State of Food Prescriptions Used to Treat Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in the US Adult Population

Top Things to Know

The study indicates that food prescription programs can improve cardiometabolic health.

Programs with subsidies and vouchers had higher compliance rates.

The findings suggest tailored program designs that include financial incentives and diverse food sourcing are needed to enhance health equity and improve dietary outcomes.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The review analyzed the current state of food prescriptions used to treat cardiometabolic risk factors in the US adult population. It found that food prescription programs generally led to reductions in BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and HbA1c among participants. The programs were most effective when they included subsidies and vouchers, and when food was sourced from farmers' markets, grocers, and mobile vendors. The review also highlighted the need for future studies to include additional biomarkers such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Participants were primarily from medically underserved areas, including African American, Hispanic, low-income, and older adult populations.