Childhood Obesity Linked to Scarce Food Options

Obesity affects about 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. It’s a growing concern. Carrying extra weight can raise a child’s risk of future health problems.

Some research has found that living in a neighborhood without grocery stores and healthy food options may raise the risk for obesity. A new study looked at how limited food options at a young age affects future health.

Scientists analyzed data from more than 28,000 kids. They calculated each child’s BMI z score at birth and at ages 5, 10, and 15. BMI (or body mass index) is a ratio of weight to height. BMI z scores are adjusted for age, gender, and expected growth and weight patterns. In urban areas, neighborhoods were considered food-limited if the nearest supermarket was more than a half-mile away. Rural regions were food-limited if the nearest market was more than 10 miles away.

Growing up in food-limited areas was linked to increased risk of obesity or severe obesity later—more than 50% higher. Kids who lived in food-limited areas early in life were more likely to have higher BMI scores at ages 5, 10, and 15. This link was strongest for those whose moms lived in food-limited areas during both pregnancy and early childhood.

“Living in neighborhoods with access to healthy foods during these stages may be an important factor in preventing the development of obesity later,” says Harvard University’s Dr. Izzuddin Aris. “Our findings support the need for further research on strategies to improve access to healthy food in early life.”