“If I start panicking over having enough, then I start eating too much”: Understanding the eating behaviors of SNAP recipients in larger bodies during COVID-19

Living in a food-insecure household may increase the risk for disordered eating. Though the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was designed to reduce food insecurity, it may increase risk for disordered eating with the frequency in which benefits are distributed. Limited research has explored the lived experiences of managing eating behaviors while on SNAP, particularly among SNAP participants in larger bodies, and during COVID-19. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the experiences with eating behaviors among adults with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and who received SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible adults were recruited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis and content analysis. Participants (N = 16), had a mean (±SD) age of 43.4 ± 10.9 years, and overwhelmingly identified as female (86 %). One-third of the participants were Black. We identified 4 main themes: (1) not having enough money/benefits to cover needs; (2) navigating loss of control and emotional eating; (3) making sure the kids are alright; and (4) still feeling the pressure to manage weight. Managing eating behaviors while also navigating SNAP benefits is complex and may exacerbate risk of disordered eating. •Participants reported monthly SNAP benefits did not sustain their household, despite COVID-19-related increases.•Participants reported loss of control and emotional eating episodes•Participants centered their shopping and eating behaviors around their children’s eating behaviors.•SNAP participants in larger bodies navigated familiar weight-related pressures while also navigating food insecurity.