The Geography of Fast Food Outlets: A Review

Abstract

The availability of food high in fat, salt and sugar through Fast Food (FF) or takeaway outlets, is implicated in the causal pathway for the obesity epidemic. This review aims to summarise this body of research and highlight areas for future work. Thirty three studies were found that had assessed the geography of these outlets. Fourteen studies showed a positive association between availability of FF outlets and increasing deprivation. Another 13 studies also included overweight or obesity data and showed conflicting results between obesity/overweight and FF outlet availability. There is some evidence that FF availability is associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake. There is potential for land use policies to have an influence on the location of new FF outlets. Further research should incorporate good quality data on FF consumption, weight and physical activity.

Healthier catering initiatives in London, UK: an effective tool for encouraging healthier consumption behaviour?

“…Of increasing policy concern is the extent to which obesity has been shown to be associated with social and economic deprivation across all age ranges (Marmot 2010). Research suggests that obesity may be more prevalent in areas with a high concentration of fast-food outlets (Currie et al 2009, Fraser et al 2010, De Vogli et al 2011, and that outlets are often concentrated in areas of deprivation (McDonald et al 2007, Pearce et al 2007, Smoyer-Tonic et al 2008, Fraser et al 2010, thus linking fast-food consumption to debates regarding health inequalities and food security.…”

“…The term 'food security' has generally been defined as existing when all people have sufficient, safe and nutritious food to live an active healthy life (FAO 1996). It has until recently been seen as a concern confined to low income countries in the global south, but increasing food prices now mean that many poorer families in high income countries are forced to compromise on the quality and healthiness of food they buy (Dowler et al, 2011).…”

Characteristics of fast-food/takeaway-food and restaurant/café-food consumers among New Zealand adults

“…Included in this are foods purchased from fast-food outlets, takeaway outlets, restaurants and cafés. A higher density of fast-food and takeaway outlets has been documented in more socio-economically deprived areas overseas (1)(2)(3)(4) and in New Zealand (NZ) (2) . Fast foods in particular have been described as a contributing factor to the increase in obesity rates; however, the evidence is inconsistent with some studies reporting a positive association (5)(6)(7) and others reporting no association (8)(9)(10) .…”

Small-area variations in overweight and obesity in an urban area of Nigeria: The role of fast food outlets

“…they are produced by a wide array of factors which can be broadly classified into two categories: non-modifiable risk factors comprising genetic disposition, and modifiable risk factors, such as low fruits and vegetable consumption, alcohol and soft drink intake, fast food consumption, physical inactivity, housing tenure, neighbourhood walkability and socioeconomic status (Mosbasheri et al, 2005;Suter, 2005;Fraser et al, 2010;Michimi, Wimberly, 2010;Douglas et al, 2011;Harvard School of Public Health, 2012;Garcia et al, 2012;Glazier et al, 2014;WHO, 2015;Lakes, Burkhart, 2016). entary lifestyles…motorized culture, availability of refined foods, physical inactivity related recreations such as cinema houses and video games…" (Neupane et al, 2016: 7).…”

“…Though a number of studies on overweight/obesity in the western world exist (Fraser et al, 2010;Ellaway et al, 2012;Michimi, Wimberly, 2015;Lakes, Burkhart, 2016), the focus of research is gradually shifting to the developing countries because the analysis from one context to another differs on account of cultural and environmental factors. Thus, research is needed on causes beyond the individual (Hanibuci et al, 2011).…”