Edmonton seems to be a great hub for obesity research, and demonstrating the affect of broader factors contributing to obesity. Sean Cash and others from U of A consider the relationshiops between prevalence of obesity and access to fast food restaurants in a given area. The positive correlation between fast food density and obesity has been described in different communities in the states. In addition, lower SES communities and schools and universities tend to have a higher density of these outlets!
Cash and his colleagues compared the location of the top 10 fast food restaurants(Tim Hortons, Subway, McDonald’s, KFC, A & W, Dairy Queen, Harvey’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Domino’s Pizza) across Canadian metropolitan cities to explore the difference in adult obesity rates across Canadian cities, which ranged from 11.7%(Vancounver) to 36.4%(St.John's).
The data collected supported that fast food restaurants were positively correlated to obesity rates. Meanwhile, increased specialty coffee shops were associated negatively with obesity. This is accounted by the fact that specialty coffee shops often attract more educated, higher SES status people to a neighbourhood, who have a protective elements from obesity.
Cash and his colleagues compared the location of the top 10 fast food restaurants(Tim Hortons, Subway, McDonald’s, KFC, A & W, Dairy Queen, Harvey’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, and Domino’s Pizza) across Canadian metropolitan cities to explore the difference in adult obesity rates across Canadian cities, which ranged from 11.7%(Vancounver) to 36.4%(St.John's).
The data collected supported that fast food restaurants were positively correlated to obesity rates. Meanwhile, increased specialty coffee shops were associated negatively with obesity. This is accounted by the fact that specialty coffee shops often attract more educated, higher SES status people to a neighbourhood, who have a protective elements from obesity.
2 comments:
The coffee shop correlation was very interesting! However,generally you find coffee shops and fast food restaurants side by side as opposed to being placed in two completely different neighborhoods. So I am just curious as how they specifically carried out that study. Also, I would be interested in understanding the correlation for fast foods and coffee shops-because I do not think they are the same correlation, right? For instance, from reading this piece it could be understood that coffee shops=healthy neighborhoods. However placing more coffee shops in a district does not mean you will suddenly realize and create more educated healthy people (right?). Conversely, more fast food restaurants can/will result in a less healthy community. So in fact, I think it really comes down to education. Educated people will not got to McDonalds, they will go to Second Cup and loose weight according to this study... And corroborative of this is in the map, Manitoba experiences higher rates of obesity than Edmonton or Quebec City. Manitoba also has a rich native community, who unfortunately have to deal with troubled youth? What I am trying to say, I suppose, is that limiting access to fast food restaurants is not, and should not be considered, the solution (or "a potential" solution). Controlling obesity has to come down to fundamental education which allows the user to understand why he should not eat unhealthily regardless of which city he is in, or how close to a Burger king he is standing. This is the long term solution that will pass through generations. Limiting access is short term, politically messy, and economically unfavourable. Furthermore, when a lot of people are educated, it creates a "culture", a "fad", the "new thing." What you will see is that current fast food restraunts will be loosing money and "evolving" their menu to satisfy the new market. You can already see that with McDonalds and their new fruit salads. You will transform the existing market, that is already in place, with a healthier one. This is much more feasible and economic than removing every McDonalods from every neighbourhood and replacing it with a healthier alternative.
I know what I am saying is not new, but by point is is that the idea of removing fast food restraunts should be completely negated- its not for real! It shouldn't even be considered because its temporary, messy,and extremely hard to implement. The energy we spend on advocating for removal of these restraunts are better used elsewhere. And thats that :P
How about that for a comment!!!!!!!
Thanks for the comment! The link to the study is posted if you are looking for the full details. You are right in saying that the boundaries for where specialty coffee shops and fast food places are are not distinct. However, the density of fast food places tends to be higher in lower SES communities, while the density of specialty coffee shops tend to be in higher SES communities - who have a protective factor in terms of risk for obesity.
I realize that closing McDonald's and other fast food places is unpopular. Education of the general public about risk factors of obesity and initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles is important as well. However, leaving it to the individual to be educated and take healthy actions in an environment where unhealthy diets are readily available everywhere is difficult. That is why, I think, governments and policymakers should consider adding access to healthier dietary options that are readily available options for people.
PS: I would love it if whoever posted, comments more on the other posts! Thanks
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