0
0
A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition reveals a significant correlation between income levels, neighborhood food store availability, and the consumption of snacks and sweets. Conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Alabama-Birmingham, the study highlights the dietary disparities between different socioeconomic groups and their environments.
Key Findings:
- Neighborhood Food Store Availability:
- Residents in areas with numerous food stores consumed 9% fewer snacks and sweets overall, 10% fewer sweet bakery products, and 6% fewer candies and desserts compared to those in neighborhoods with limited food store access.
- Income Levels:
- Individuals in higher-income areas ate 11% fewer snacks and sweets overall, 19% fewer bakery products, and 6% fewer savory snacks and crackers.
- Higher-income households also had a higher intake of nutrition bars and low-fat snacks and sweets.
- Food Deserts:
- Surprisingly, residents of USDA-defined food deserts consumed the same amount of snacks and sweets as those living outside food deserts, regardless of income.
Hypotheses and Explanations:
Ian-Marshall Lang, the study’s lead author and a researcher at U-M’s School of Kinesiology, suggested that the lack of nearby food stores might lead residents to purchase more shelf-stable, less healthy options, often found in non-traditional food outlets like dollar stores. Lang also pointed to previous research indicating that lower-income areas face targeted marketing for unhealthy snacks, higher prices for nutritious food, fewer healthy options, and higher stress levels.
Importance of Findings:
Lang emphasized the novelty and scale of this research, noting that it fills a gap in the literature by focusing on snack and sweet consumption rather than just fruit and vegetable intake. The study’s large participant pool, drawn from the ongoing REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, bolsters its significance.
The study’s approach to defining food stores differs from the USDA’s, which could explain some of the unexpected findings regarding food deserts. By considering a broader range of primary food retailers, the research provides a more comprehensive understanding of where people are purchasing their food.
Implications for Public Health:
While the study did not directly examine the health impacts of snack and sweet consumption, Lang noted that previous research links these foods to higher calorie intake and increased body weight. The findings suggest that small dietary changes, like substituting calorie-dense snacks with more nutrient-dense options, could benefit public health.
Future Research and Interventions:
Lang highlighted the potential for future interventions to target areas lacking primary food retailers, broadly defined, rather than focusing solely on areas without large supermarkets. This approach could help address the dietary imbalances observed in the study.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the complex relationship between income, neighborhood food store availability, and dietary choices. It calls for a nuanced understanding of food environments and targeted interventions to promote healthier eating habits across different communities.
Study Reference: Ian-Marshall Lang et al, “Intake of Snacks and Sweets in a National Study of Built and Social Environments: the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke Study,” The Journal of Nutrition (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.05.017
