UC study finds fast food outlets clustered around schools
27 January 2011
Researchers at the University of Canterbury and University of Edinburgh believe a restriction on the number of fast food and convenience outlets around schools is one option that should be considered in the battle against obesity rates in children and adolescents.
Researchers at the University of Canterbury and University of Edinburgh believe a restriction on the number of fast food and convenience outlets around schools is one option that should be considered in the battle against obesity rates in children and adolescents.
A study carried out by the University's GeoHealth Laboratory, based in the Department of Geography, found these types of food outlets were five and a half times more likely to be near schools compared with other areas.
The researchers - Peter Day and GeoHealth Laboratory Co-Director Dr Jamie Pearce (University of Edinburgh) - also found the proximity of such outlets was highest around secondary schools, low decile schools and those in densely populated and commercially-zoned areas.
The study was based on an examination of the clustering of food outlets around schools in Christchurch, Wellington, Lower Hutt, Waitakere and North Shore.
Mr Day said this clustering created an "obesity promoting food environment" that exposed children and adolescents to unhealthy food options and impacted on dietary behaviour.
"We have a continuing problem in New Zealand with childhood and adolescent obesity and one of the contributing factors to this problem is energy-dense foods that are easily available through these types of food outlets," he said.
"These findings are a sign to local government that they need to consider more than just environmental issues in their urban planning. They should also consider the health implications of their land zoning policies and business location practices. There could be opportunities for rezoning land in areas close to schools or for putting restrictions on the location of outlets very close to schools or on what can be sold at certain times - but ultimately any workable solutions are up to the policymakers to decide."
He said legislative frameworks on which to base such restrictions already existed in New Zealand - with laws governing the advertising, sale and supply of alcohol and those covering the location and number of electronic gaming machines.
Mr Day said the findings, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, were consistent with similar studies carried out in the United States where in a number of urban areas some measures had already been taken to limit school children's exposure to fast food outlets.
The GeoHealth Laboratory undertakes applied research in the areas of health geography, spatial epidemiology and Geographical Information Systems. It is a joint venture between the Department of Geography at the University of Canterbury and the Ministry of Health.
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