Study: No Link Between Food Deserts, Child Obesity

SANTA MONICA, Calif.Greater exposure to fast-food restaurants and convenience stores is thought to encourage overconsumption, while the proximity of grocery stores are thought to encourage healthier diets; however, results of a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found no association between food environment and diet among children.

Researchers at RAND Corporation examined the relationship between school and residential neighborhood food environment and diet among youth in California to see if food deserts contributed to obesity and poor nutrition.

They examined California Health Interview Survey data from 8,226 children (aged 5-11 years) and 5,236 adolescents (aged 12-17 years) from the 2005 and 2007 to determine how many fast-food restaurants, convenience stores and grocery stores were within a 1.5-mile radius of their homes and schools. Next, they examined participants daily  intake of fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, soda, high-sugar foods, and fast food, which were regressed on measures of food environments.

They found no correlation between the proximity of food sources to where the participants lived, their diets and their weights.