Produce Prescription Programs for Obesity

This trial explores the best ways to provide fresh produce to adults dealing with obesity and nutrition insecurity. Participants will either receive weekly vouchers to buy produce or have fresh produce delivered to their homes. Researchers aim to assess how these methods affect fruit and vegetable intake and weight over eight weeks. Adults with a BMI of 25 or higher who struggle to access nutritious food and own a smartphone are ideal candidates for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative solutions for improving access to nutritious food.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently taking weight loss drugs.

Research has shown that programs providing vouchers for fruits and vegetables are safe for individuals. These vouchers make healthy foods more affordable and accessible, enabling people to purchase more fruits and vegetables, which benefits their health.

Regarding produce boxes, studies have found that home delivery of fresh produce can improve dietary habits and might even lower body mass index (BMI). This indicates that receiving fresh produce at home is safe and can enhance one's diet.

Researchers are excited about Produce Prescription Programs for obesity because they focus on providing fresh fruits and vegetables directly to individuals, unlike traditional treatments that usually involve medication or surgery. These programs aim to change dietary behaviors with a novel approach: one group receives vouchers to purchase produce, while another benefits from direct produce box deliveries. This strategy not only enhances access to nutritious foods but also incorporates a supportive behavioral text message program, which could foster lasting healthy eating habits and potentially lead to more sustainable weight management.

This trial will compare two approaches: providing vouchers for fruits and vegetables and delivering produce boxes to participants' homes. Studies have shown that voucher programs can lead to healthier eating habits and improved health. Research indicates that these vouchers help people consume more fruits and vegetables and feel more confident in choosing healthy foods. These programs have also been linked to better management of conditions like diabetes and obesity. Participants receiving produce boxes delivered to their homes have experienced similar benefits, such as increased fruit and vegetable intake and a healthier diet. Overall, both approaches aim to make healthy food more accessible and affordable, potentially leading to significant health improvements.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰