It looks like even proximity to fast food restaurants can increase obesity.

A recent study published online in the American Journal of Public Health by The University of Texas has shown that there is most likely a relationship between both the proximity and density of fast food restaurants and an increase in Body Mass Index (BMI) in an individual.

It was also found that this likelihood increases even further if the person has a low income.

During the study a review of African Americans on incomes above and below $40 00 per year living from half to five miles away from fast food restaurants was done.

All other influencers on BMI, like; gender, age, owning a home or renting, married or not, children or not and employment status were all controlled, so they were not involved in the findings.

The study found that those on a low income living up to two miles away from at least one fast food restaurant were more likely to have significantly higher BMIs than others.

African American women are recognized as having an increasing obesity rate and this study finding only makes this situation potentially much worse.

The study was lead by Lorraine Reitzel (PhD), who believes that the main factor influencing this finding is the lack of transport within this group. It is not too far for people to walk two miles to get the appealing, convenient and affordable food, so people appear to be doing so, especially when they have a low inclome.

Whether these finding can be translated into other countries and groups is not yet known, but if they do, this may contribute to our understanding of how obesity is increasing across the western world.

This article has been written by Rachelle Williams – The Green Food Safety Coach.