4/9/25 –
Abstract
Background
Produce prescription programs may improve dietary quality and health but have not been well tested among adults with food insecurity and obesity.
Objective
Our aim in this pilot randomized controlled trial was to examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of ProduceRx, a produce program combined with behavioral weight loss counseling, compared with wait-list control (WLC).
Methods
Adults with obesity and food insecurity (N = 32) were randomly assigned to ProduceRx or WLC. ProduceRx had weekly counseling sessions and received $20 of produce vouchers weekly, whereas WLC had a 12-week wait period before enrolling in the program. All participants completed assessments at baseline and 12 weeks.
Results
The retention rate was 90.6%. Groups did not differ significantly in changes in dietary quality, food security, mood, and stress. ProduceRx lost 2.4% ± 0.7% of initial body weight, which was more than WLC who gained 0.4% ± 0.7% (P = .01). Compared with WLC, ProduceRx had significantly greater improvements in eating self-efficacy (P = .04).
Conclusions
Produce prescriptions combined with behavioral weight loss demonstrated preliminary feasibility and efficacy in helping adults with food insecurity and obesity…
Read the full article at The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
