ME/CFS and/or Long Covid in Aotearoa New Zealand: results from a food insecurity survey, 2026, Dey et al

[Nightsong]

Abstract:

Background​

Various chronic health conditions are associated with household vulnerability to food insecurity. There is limited evidence regarding the prevalence of food insecurity or the experiences and challenges related to nutrition and food access among people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long Covid (LC) in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods​

Adults were recruited between June and September 2025 from online communities, support networks and primary care providers to complete an anonymous, online survey. Food insecurity was defined as ‘sometimes’ or ‘never’ being able to afford to eat properly, or ‘sometimes’ or ‘always’ having food run out, eating less, eating less variety due to cost, relying on others for food or using food grants/banks. Descriptive results were reported as percentages; multivariable risk ratios were estimated from generalised linear models. Quotes from open-ended questions were used to illustrate the quantitative findings.

Results​

Among 333 respondents, half (50%) had experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months. There was an inverse-J shape association between food insecurity and disease severity. Younger respondents were more likely to face food insecurity than older respondents. Beyond financial constraints, reported challenges to adequate nutrition included physical limitations affecting going shopping, receiving online deliveries and preparing meals.

Conclusion​

Findings support the need to recognise ME/CFS and LC as disabilities for the purposes of social service and income support provision, which could relieve some of the financial pressures on patients. We also recommend that GPs routinely screen for food insecurity among people with ME/CFS or LC.

Link | PDF (Fatigue: Biomedicine, Health & Behavior, June 2026, open access)

 

[ScoutB]

We also recommend that GPs routinely screen for food insecurity among people with ME/CFS or LC

Interesting. I feel like this could actually also help reframe ME/CFS in doctor’s imaginations as a severe condition.

 

[rvallee]

We also recommend that GPs routinely screen for food insecurity among people with ME/CFS or LC.

Food insecurity is a financial issue, which is not something GPs can do anything about. Their only role is in providing support for sick leave and disability support, there is nothing clinical they can do here. For this, policy changes are required because physicians are explicitly encouraged to reject it. This is a policy issue downstream of a health issue. The policy issue can be fixed by solving the medical problem, but standard policy has always been to reject even attempting to, because magical beans might sprout one day and then we'll all be rich and happy and live under rainbows.

 

[Trish]

I think it can be of relevance to doctors who may be needed to write recommendations for financial benefit applications and even for access to food banks. Also food insecurity can involve being too sick to shop and cook, so needing carers to help with this, which again may need doctor's recommendation. Also could involve being unable to eat and not being able to afford a healthy diet/liquid meal replacements, so needing dietician input.

Whether any doctor we see actually takes any notice of whether we are able to afford, prepare and eat healthily is another matter.