Proximity To Fast-Food Eateries Linked To Greater Risk Of Obesity

A British study finds that people who live or work near fast-food restaurants tend to be more obese than those whose access is more limited. The study, based on data from 5,442 adults aged 29-62, showed that when the three exposure possibilities (work, home and commute) were combined, there was a significant relationship between take-out exposure and food consumption. Those who lived or worked close to fast-food take-out outlets had higher body mass indexes. The researchers said that replacing fast-food restaurants with more healthful outlets probably wouldn’t work. But the food offered could be changed for the better because "in the food environment, what matters is the menu … not the venue”.