Residing in Low-Income, Low Food-Access Neighborhoods Tied to Higher Child BMI
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, Sept. 24, 2024 -- Residence in low-income, low food-access neighborhoods in early life is associated with higher subsequent child body mass index (BMI) and a higher risk for obesity, according to a study published online Sept. 16 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Izzuddin M. Aris, Ph.D., from Harvard University in Boston, and colleagues examined associations of neighborhood food access during pregnancy or early childhood with child BMI and obesity risk. The analysis included 28,359 children (55 cohorts participating in the U.S. nationwide Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes consortium; Jan. 1, 1994, to March 31, 2023).
The researchers reported that 23.2 percent of participants resided in low-income, low food-access neighborhoods in pregnancy and 24.4 percent during early childhood. When adjusting for individual sociodemographic characteristics, residence in low-income, low food-access neighborhoods in pregnancy was associated with higher BMI z scores at ages 5, 10, and 15 years; higher obesity risk at 5, 10, and 15 years; and higher severe obesity risk at 5, 10, and 15 years compared with non-low-income, low food-access participants. Similar findings were seen for residence in low-income, low food-access neighborhoods in early childhood. Associations persisted with alternative definitions of low income and low food access and additional adjustment for prenatal characteristics associated with child obesity.
"Future studies should examine the effectiveness of investments in neighborhood resources to improve food access in preventing child obesity," the authors write.
One author disclosed ties to relevant organizations.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted September 2024
Read this next
Urinary Metal Levels Tied to Increased Risk for Later Heart Failure
THURSDAY, July 3, 2025 -- There are consistent associations between elevated urinary metal levels and increased heart failure risk over time across geographically diverse cohorts...
Higher Temperatures Tied to Increased Probability of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
THURSDAY, July 3, 2025 -- Higher temperatures across the globe are associated with an increased probability of having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a study published...
Tons of Turkey Bacon Products Recalled Due to Possible Listeria Contamination
THURSDAY, July 3, 2025 — Kraft Heinz Foods is recalling some 370,000 pounds of fully cooked turkey bacon products that may be contaminated with listeria, the U.S...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.