Feeding her children, but risking her health: The intersection of gender, household food insecurity and obesity

► The gendered nature of childcare explains why poverty and household food insecurity predicts overweight and obesity among American women, but not men. ► Food insecure mothers are more likely to be overweight or obese and gain excess weight over time. ► Results cannot be attributed to post-pregnancy biological changes that predispose mothers to gain weight. ► Food insecurity is not associated with being overweight or obese or gaining excess weight among fathers or child-free women and men. ► The intersection of gender, parenthood and poverty create risks for overweight and obesity among food insecure American mothers.