Inequality in obesigenic environments: Fast food density in New York City

Naa Oyo A. Kwate, Chun Yip Yau, Ji Meng Loh, Donya Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

128 Scopus citations

Abstract

The high prevalence of obesity in African American populations may be due to the food environment in residential communities, and the density of fast food restaurants is an important aspect of the restaurant landscape in US cities. This study investigated racial and socioeconomic correlates of fast food density in New York City. We found that predominantly Black areas had higher densities of fast food than predominantly White areas; high-income Black areas had similar exposure as low-income Black areas; and national chains were most dense in commercial areas. The results highlight the importance of policy level interventions to address disparities in food environments as a key goal in obesity prevention efforts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)364-373
Number of pages10
JournalHealth and Place
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2009
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Health(social science)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Life-span and Life-course Studies

Keywords

  • African American/Black
  • Fast food
  • Neighborhoods
  • Obesity
  • Racial segregation

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