A Canadian Study published in Science Daily has shown that local food environments can lead to obesity. If you live in an area with more fast food outlets, take-aways and corner shops rather than supermarkets, fruit &veg shops and butchers this can undoubtedly effect your weight. If people exposed to these fast food restaurants and convenience stores can walk in on their way to work or home, they will likely consume more of these food. This could then lead to gaining weight and obesity. Ones who live far from these tempting services do not have the temptation and by default have to plan their meals and shopping in advance. To read more details into this article please do see the following link –http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617201800.htm

Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health examined the association of neighborhood food environments and “walkability” with body mass index (BMI) and obesity in New York.City. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090319142433.htm

In the last couple of years people’s food consumption away from home has risen and the number of takeaways has increased dramatically.

A wide range of factors are associated with the risk of obesity like age, sex, total household income, highest educational qualification, car ownership, total energy intake, smoking status and physical activity.

Among domains at home, at work and along commuting routes, the associations between takeaway and diet were strongest in the work environment because its availability is the most effective around work places. The BMI index is also higher among those people who are exposed to takeaway food outlets.

Fast-food is cheaper and more energy-dense per measure of weight than other raw healthier products such as fruit and vegetables from the grocery store. Thus, it can appear to be the cheaper option but this is a short term solution. It costs you a lot more in health care in the future and undoubtedly will cost you your health.

However, as expected the outstanding result was that there is a strong link between more healthy food stores and a lower BMI.

Most people do wish to follow a healthy way of life but this may prove to be more difficult because healthy food options are not available in small isolated places. They are not easily accessible, or affordable in their communities. In fact, studies have found that low-income and under-served communities often have limited access to stores that sell healthy food, especially high-quality fruits and vegetables. And rural communities often have a higher number of convenience stores, where healthy foods are less available than in larger, retail food markets. The article for The Centre’s of Disease Control and Prevention goes on to discuss that the solution is Planning for improvement in overall community health should include access to affordable and healthy food.” http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/healthyfood_environment.htm

As most of the fast food outlets are selling products which are high in sugar and fat, the question of selling unhealthy product without any extra taxation is in the air. Children and adolescents who have high consumption of sugary drinks have a higher health risk because of the effects of sugar. Weight gain, dental cavities, risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease are just a few side effects. For the future the only problem solving method would be the high taxation of sugar sweetened drinks and extremely unhealthy food. The price could change the purchasing habits and this would lead to the calorie intake depleting. The Nursing Times has discussed this in depth and so we have shared the link for you to read further http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice/clinical-zones/nutrition/effects-of-a-fizzy-drink-tax-on-obesity-rates-estimated/5065195.article

Creating a more healthy relationship with food and one’s environment would hopefully reserve this trend for the future generations.

A new statistic has just been discussed that on average each of us pass 32 fast food restaurants, takeaways & junk food shops just on the way to work or school. So, be careful that you plan your meals and you shop in advance. Don’t risk your health. Be healthy & Happy and Enjoy good nutritious food.