Study Finds Higher Weight Gain in Children Living Near Fast Food Outlets

 Study Finds Higher Weight Gain in Children Living Near Fast Food Outlets

Study Raises Important Questions About Local Food Environment's Impact on Young Children's Diets, Say Researchers

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Children who live near fast food outlets are more likely to gain weight compared to those living farther away, according to new research.

A study conducted by researchers from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) followed the weight of over 1,500 state primary school students aged four to 11.

The findings revealed that children residing closer to fast food outlets experienced significant weight gain between their first and last year of primary school.

Scheduled to be published in the Journal of Public Health, this study is claimed to be the first to establish a link between fast food accessibility and weight gain over time.

Matthew Pearce, the study's lead researcher, emphasized the crucial role of the local food environment in shaping the dietary habits of young children. Pearce, formerly a public health student at UWE Bristol and now with the NHS, noted: “National data shows that the number of obese children doubles between the first and last year of primary school. Understanding the underlying reasons is vital for safeguarding children's future health.

“Obesity results from many complex factors, and our study highlights the significant impact of the neighbourhood environment on obesity development.”

Researchers developed a “fast food accessibility score” for each participant by assessing the number of fast food outlets within approximately half a mile of their home.

The study also indicated a higher density of fast food outlets in poorer neighbourhoods.

This finding aligns with recent data from Cambridge University’s Centre for Diet and Activity Research, which reported 56,638 takeaways in England—over a quarter of all food outlets—with the highest concentrations in the country's most deprived areas.

Caroline Cerny of the Obesity Health Alliance told the Guardian that the environment significantly influences obesity levels. She said: “Despite widespread awareness of the obesity epidemic's health impacts, it is alarming that the number of fast food takeaways continues to rise.

“From junk food marketing on billboards and TV to the proximity of fast food outlets to schools, our environment heavily affects overweight and obesity levels.”

Pearce concurs and advocates for greater efforts to promote healthier living.

He added: “While individual choices are crucial, it's widely recognized that our environments make weight management increasingly challenging.

“Therefore, we need national and local policymakers to make decisions that create conditions conducive to healthier eating and increased physical activity.”