A systematic review of associations between environmental factors, energy and fat intakes among adults: is there evidence for environments that encourage obesogenic dietary intakes?

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature examining associations between environmental factors, energy and fat intakes among adults, and to identify issues for future research. Methods: Literature searches of studies published between 1980 and 2004 were conducted in major databases (i.e. PubMed, Human Nutrition, Web of Science, PsychInfo, Sociofile). Additional articles were located by citation tracking. Results: Twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria. No study provided a clear conceptualisation of how environmental factors may influence these dietary intakes. Availability, social, cultural and material aspects of the environment were relatively understudied compared with other factors such as seasonal/day of the week variation and work-related factors. Few studies examined the specific environmental factors implicated in the obesity epidemic, and there was little study replication. All studies were observational and cross-sectional. Conclusions: It is too premature to conclude whether or not environmental factors play a role in obesogenic and unhealthy dietary intakes. More studies need to examine associations with those environmental factors thought to contribute to obesogenic environments. There needs to be more development in theories that conceptualise the relationship between environmental factors and dietary intakes.

Changing foodscapes 1980–2000, using the ASH30 Study

“…Most of the models of food choice indicate that both food choice and health behaviours are influenced by biological, demographic, social/cultural and environmental considerations as well as food-related government policies (Booth, Sallis et al 2001) and economic factors (Mela 1999). An emerging body of literature has suggested environmental factors can influence individuals' dietary behaviour (Giskes, Kamphuis et al 2007). The underlying biological tendency for humans to acquire and store energy and the desensitisation of our appetite control system (Foresight 2007) within the context of an obesogenic environment ('the sum of influences that the surroundings, opportunities, or conditions of life have on promoting obesity in individuals or populations' (Swinburn and Egger 2002)) means individuals exert less control and choice over their lifestyle patterns which impacts on their weight (King and Thomas 2007).…”

“…A recent review (Giskes, Kamphuis et al 2007) highlighted a number of understudied environmental factors that are 'implicated' in the obesity epidemic including fast food/ convenience stores, marketing of unhealthy foods and availability of larger portions.…”

Investigating Environmental Determinants of Diet, Physical Activity, and Overweight among Adults in Sao Paulo, Brazil

“…The most consistent evidence available of a relationship between obesity and factors in the urban environment comes from American studies; [9][10][11][12][13] however, it is not clear whether these geographical associations are also true in other countries. [13][14][15] For example, the ease of access to supermarkets and the availability and variety of healthy food in shops have been associated with a higher intake of fruit and vegetables (FV) 10 and a lower prevalence of obesity and overweight. 12 The picture outside the United States, however, seems to be different and suggests a need for caution in extrapolating research on environmental influences from one setting to another.…”

Neighborhood Restaurant Availability and Frequency of Eating Out in Relation to Dietary Intake in Young Japanese Women

“…Living conditions are shaped by characteristics of the residential environment; therefore, neighborhood characteristics may have some impact on lifestyle factors such as dietary habits and, hence, on health status such as obesity, beyond any effect of the characteristics of the individual ( 1 ). Growing recognition of the importance of diet on health has been accompanied by increasing attention to factors associated with access to healthy foods.…”