Differences in Neighborhood Food Environment May Contribute to Disparities in Obesity

The March 2009 issue of EHP reports on a study examining the association of neighborhood food environments and walkability with body mass index and obesity in New York City. The study shows a higher local density of "BMI-healthy" food outlets -- supermarkets, produce markets and natural food stores where customers can buy fresh fruits and vegetables -- is associated with a lower BMI and lower prevalence of obesity. However, "BMI-unhealthy" food outlets -- fast food restaurants and convenience stores -- although far more abundant than BMI-healthy outlets, were not significantly associated with a higher BMI or the prevalence of obesity.

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