Researchers in Lebanon discovered that most adults struggle with weight problems—either being too thin, overweight, or obese. The study found that eating a healthy Mediterranean diet (lots of vegetables, fish, and olive oil) costs about $23-26 per person per day, but the average Lebanese adult only spends about $20. People who could afford to spend the extra money on healthier foods were more likely to have a healthy weight. The findings show that when healthy food is too expensive, it’s much harder for people to eat well and maintain a good weight, especially during difficult economic times.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether the cost of eating healthy food affects people’s weight and health in Lebanon during an economic crisis
  • Who participated: 444 Lebanese adults between ages 18 and 64 years old, representing a mix of the general population
  • Key finding: Adults who spent at least $23.36 per day on food were 59% more likely to have a healthy weight compared to those who spent less. However, only about 31% of people could afford to spend that much.
  • What it means for you: If you live in a place with economic hardship, expensive healthy food makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight. This suggests that making nutritious foods more affordable could help more people stay healthy. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that cost is the only reason for weight problems.

The Research Details

This was a snapshot study where researchers collected information from Lebanese adults at one point in time (2023). They asked people questions about their income and family situation, measured their height and weight, and asked detailed questions about what they ate. They also checked how much money people had available for food and whether they worried about having enough to eat. The researchers then calculated how much it would cost to follow a Mediterranean diet (a healthy eating pattern with lots of vegetables, fish, and olive oil) using actual prices from Lebanese markets in 2023.

The researchers compared the cost of a healthy Mediterranean diet to what people were actually spending on food. They used special math tools to figure out if spending more money on food was connected to having a healthier weight. This type of study is good for showing connections between things, but it can’t prove that one thing directly causes another.

Understanding the connection between food costs and weight is important because it helps explain why people in struggling economies have more weight problems. If we only blame people for their food choices without looking at whether they can afford healthy options, we miss the real problem. This research shows that economics matters just as much as personal choices when it comes to health.

This study used a nationally representative sample, meaning the results likely reflect the whole Lebanese population, not just one group. The researchers used validated tools to measure diet and food security, which means these tools have been tested and proven reliable. However, because this is a snapshot study, we can only see connections between things, not prove that one causes the other. The study was done during a specific time (2023) in a specific country (Lebanon), so results might be different in other places or times.

What the Results Show

The study found that nearly two-thirds (66.2%) of Lebanese adults had weight problems—either being underweight (4.3%), overweight (37.8%), or obese (24.1%). This is a very high rate of weight issues. The researchers discovered that a healthy Mediterranean diet would cost between $23.36 and $26.49 per person per day, but the average Lebanese adult was only spending about $20 per day on food. This $3-6 daily gap might not sound like much, but over a month it adds up to $90-180 less than needed for healthy eating.

The most important finding was that people who could afford to spend at least $23.36 per day on food were 59% more likely to have a healthy weight. In other words, when people spent enough money to buy healthy foods, they were significantly more likely to maintain a good weight. However, only about 31% of the people studied could actually afford this amount. This means that most Lebanese adults (about 69%) were spending too little to eat in a healthy way.

The study also showed that food insecurity (worrying about having enough food) was common among participants, which makes sense given the economic crisis in Lebanon. People who were struggling financially were less likely to be able to afford the healthier Mediterranean diet pattern.

The research revealed that the connection between food cost and healthy weight was independent of other factors like age and gender. This means that even when researchers accounted for differences between people, the money spent on food still mattered for weight outcomes. The study also found that the current eating patterns in Lebanon (what people actually eat when money is tight) tend to include less expensive, more processed foods that are higher in calories but lower in nutrients.

Previous research has shown that healthy diets often cost more than unhealthy ones in many countries, not just Lebanon. This study adds to that evidence by showing the real-world impact in a crisis situation. Other studies have found similar patterns in low-income communities worldwide—when healthy food is expensive, people tend to gain weight or become malnourished. This research confirms that pattern applies to Lebanon during its economic crisis.

This study shows a connection between food spending and weight, but it doesn’t prove that spending more money causes better weight. People who spend more on food might also exercise more or have other healthy habits. The study was done only in Lebanon during 2023, so the results might not apply to other countries or time periods. The researchers relied on people remembering what they ate, which can be inaccurate. Additionally, the study couldn’t account for all the factors that affect weight, such as physical activity, stress, sleep, or genetics. Finally, because this is a snapshot in time, we can’t see how people’s weight changes over time.

The Bottom Line

If you live in an area with economic hardship: (1) Prioritize affordable nutrient-dense foods like beans, lentils, seasonal vegetables, and whole grains rather than processed foods. (2) Plan meals ahead to avoid waste and make the most of your food budget. (3) Advocate for policies that make healthy foods more affordable in your community. For policymakers: Economic support for food programs, subsidies for healthy foods, and community gardens can help make nutritious eating more affordable. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the study shows a connection but can’t prove cause and effect.

This research matters most for people living in countries with economic crises or low incomes, policymakers working on food security, and public health professionals. If you live in a stable economy with affordable healthy food, this study is less directly applicable to you, though it highlights important global inequality issues. Healthcare providers should understand that weight problems in crisis-affected populations may reflect food affordability rather than just personal choices.

If food affordability improves and people can afford healthier diets, weight changes typically take 3-6 months to become noticeable. However, the benefits to overall health (like better energy, improved blood pressure, and reduced disease risk) can start within weeks. Long-term benefits require sustained changes over years.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily food spending alongside weight weekly. Set a goal to gradually increase spending on whole foods (vegetables, beans, grains) while decreasing spending on processed foods. Monitor the percentage of your food budget spent on nutrient-dense foods versus processed foods.
  • Use the app to create a weekly meal plan using affordable, healthy ingredients available in your area. Set reminders to buy seasonal produce (which is cheaper) and track recipes that keep you full while staying within budget. Compare your actual spending to the recommended amount and identify one area to improve each week.
  • Monthly check-ins on: (1) Average daily food spending, (2) Percentage of meals including vegetables and whole grains, (3) Weight trend (if tracking), (4) Food security concerns. Use the app to identify patterns between spending, food choices, and how you feel physically.

This research shows a connection between food spending and weight in Lebanon but does not prove that cost is the only factor affecting weight. Individual results vary based on many factors including genetics, physical activity, medical conditions, and medications. This study was conducted in Lebanon during a specific economic crisis and may not apply to all populations or situations. Before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have existing health conditions, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.