Household food behavior and health expenditure in the United States

Background and Aim: Over the years, U.S. health care cost has been increasing. Studies in the public health domain have studied food behavior to improve health, but direct relationship between food behavior and health expenditure is yet to be investigated. We examine this relation to understand and inform the current policy shift toward food as medicine. Methods: National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS) 2012–13 and Grossman's model is used to estimate the association between food behavior and health expenditures. Multiple regression model is analyzed, controlling for confounding households’ financial behavior and sociodemographic variables. Results: Among the full sample (4029), the average monthly household health expenditure in the years 2012–2013 was $191, while the monthly mean total household income was $3391. Multiple linear regression results indicate that respondents who reported “eating healthy” had significantly lower health-related expenses (β = −20.71; p < 0.05). Time-constrained individuals who did not eat healthily had higher other (β = 41.68; p < 0.05) and total expenditures (β = 52.08; p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the significant relationship between healthy eating behaviors, financial constraints, and expenditure patterns. Results also reveal a complex relationship between food consumption behavior and health expenditures. Households that prioritize healthy eating tend to have lower health-related expenses but higher other expenditures. In addition, those who are constrained by time also face greater overall costs. Financial stressors, such as unexpected expenses and higher debt payments, correlate with increased health expenditures. These findings emphasize the need for policies that promote healthy eating accessibility and financial well-being.