Impact of Food Environments on Obesity Rates: A State-Level Analysis.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Publication Title

J Obes

Keywords

Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Obesity; Food; Surveys and Questionnaires; Food Supply; washington; olympia; psph

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Limited access to healthy food in areas that are predominantly food deserts or food swamps may be associated with obesity. Other unhealthy behaviors may also be associated with obesity and poor food environments.

METHODS: We calculated Modified Retail Food Environment Index (mRFEI) to assess food retailers. Using data collected from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH), and the US Census Bureau, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the interaction of obesity with the food environment and assessed smoking, leisure-time physical activity (LPA), and poor sleep.

RESULTS: There were 17.9% food deserts and 9.3% food swamps in NJ. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between mRFEI and obesity rate (Pearson's

CONCLUSION: Obesity tracks with food deserts and especially food swamps. It is also correlated with other unhealthy behaviors (smoking, LPA, and poor sleep).

Clinical Institute

Digestive Health

Department

Gastroenterology

Department

Population Health

Department

Nutrition

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