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A new study published in Nature Food on March 3 highlights a concerning trend: the rapid expansion of supermarkets and convenience stores—referred to as chain grocery stores—is contributing to rising obesity rates worldwide. The research, conducted in collaboration with UNICEF, analyzed food shopping patterns across 97 countries over 15 years, revealing a strong link between increased access to chain grocery stores and unhealthy eating habits.
The Rise of Chain Grocery Stores
The study found a 23.6% global increase in the density of chain grocery stores between 2009 and 2023. While high-income countries continue to have the highest number of these stores per capita, the fastest growth is occurring in low- and middle-income nations. Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia, for example, have seen annual increases of 21%, 18%, and 12%, respectively.
The expansion is driven by rapid urbanization, rising incomes, and growing consumer demand, making these regions attractive markets for large retail corporations. However, this growth comes with significant health concerns.
The Shift to Online Shopping
Online grocery shopping has also surged, with spending increasing by 325% from 2014 to 2023 across the 27 countries analyzed in the study. The United Arab Emirates and the United States topped the list of online food shoppers, with average spending rising by 570% and 125%, respectively, over the same period. The COVID-19 pandemic played a key role in solidifying this shift, as many consumers continued online grocery shopping habits even after restrictions eased.
More Stores, More Junk Food, More Obesity
As chain grocery stores expand, so does the availability and consumption of unhealthy processed foods. The study found a 10.9% increase in sales of these products over 15 years, with South Asia experiencing the fastest growth. In Pakistan, purchases of unhealthy processed foods increased by 5% annually, while in India and Bangladesh, they rose by 4% and 3% per year, respectively.
At the same time, global obesity rates climbed from 18.2% in 2009 to 23.7% in 2023, with the sharpest increases occurring in countries where chain grocery stores proliferated. In Laos, for instance, the number of chain stores per person has grown by 15% annually since 2009, while the country’s obesity rate has doubled over the same period.
Why Supermarkets Are a Major Factor
Though supermarkets sell fresh produce and other healthy items, their influence on obesity stems from several factors:
- High Availability of Processed Foods: Chain grocery stores stock an extensive range of ultra-processed foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. Research on supermarkets in 12 countries found that most of their products fall into the unhealthy category.
- Aggressive Marketing and Promotions: These stores often use strategic product placement, price discounts, and advertising to promote processed foods. Studies in Belgium, Ireland, and other nations have confirmed this trend. Online platforms also prioritize unhealthy foods in their promotions.
- Market Dominance and Supply Chain Control: Large grocery chains wield significant influence over food pricing and availability, favoring partnerships with multinational manufacturers of processed foods.
What Can Be Done?
Governments and retailers have the power to shape healthier food environments. Some countries are already taking steps:
- Regulating Product Placement: The UK now bans unhealthy foods from being displayed near checkouts or at prominent aisle ends, with further price promotion restrictions set to take effect in October.
- Retailer-Led Initiatives: A Norwegian grocery chain implemented a healthy eating campaign that increased vegetable sales by 42% and fruit sales by 25% between 2012 and 2020.
Despite these efforts, most grocery chains continue to prioritize sales over consumer health. In the U.S., supermarkets catering to low-income communities tend to offer fewer healthy options, while in the UK, even progressive retailers still have room for improvement.
The Urgent Need for Change
With obesity rates continuing to climb, it is imperative for both governments and retailers to act decisively. Measures such as stricter regulations on food marketing, incentives for healthier products, and retail environment redesigns could play a crucial role in reversing the trend.
If left unchecked, the expansion of chain grocery stores may further accelerate the global obesity crisis, making it more difficult to curb the rising burden of diet-related diseases.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a study published in Nature Food. While the study highlights key trends, further research is needed to explore additional factors contributing to global obesity rates.
