Proximity to supermarkets associated with higher body mass index among overweight and obese preschool-age children

Abstract

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to examine associations of proximity to food establishments with body mass index (BMI) among preschool-age children. MethodsWe used baseline data from 438 children ages 2–6.9years with a BMI≥85th percentile participating in a RCT in Massachusetts from 2006 to 2009. We used a geographic information system to determine proximity to six types of food establishments: 1) convenience stores, 2) bakeries, coffee shops, candy stores, 3) full service restaurants, 4) large supermarkets, 5) small supermarkets, and 6) fast-food restaurants. The main outcome was child's BMI. ResultsChildren's mean (SD) BMI was 19.2 (2.4)kg/m2; 35% lived ≤1mile from a large supermarket, 42% lived >1 to 2miles, and 22% lived >2miles. Compared to children living >2miles from a large supermarket, those who lived within 1mile had a BMI 1.06kg/m2 higher. Adjustment for socioeconomic characteristics and distance to fast-food restaurants attenuated this estimate to 0.77kg/m2. Living in any other distance category from a large supermarket and proximity to other food establishments were not associated with child BMI. ConclusionsLiving closer to a large supermarket was associated with higher BMI among preschool-age children who were overweight or obese.