Effects of Proximity to Supermarkets on a Randomized Trial Studying Interventions for Obesity
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine whether proximity to a supermarket modified the effects of an obesity intervention. METHODS: We examined 498 children aged 6 to 12 years with a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile participating in an obesity trial in Massachusetts in 2011 to 2013. The practice-based interventions included computerized clinician decision support plus family self-guided behavior change or health coaching. Outcomes were 1-year change in BMI z-score, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, and fruit and vegetable intake. We examined distance to the closest supermarket as an effect modifier. RESULTS: Distance to supermarkets was an effect modifier of 1-year change in BMI z-score and fruit and vegetable intake but not sugar-sweetened beverage intake. With each 1-mile shorter distance to a supermarket, intervention participants increased their fruit and vegetable intake by 0.29 servings per day and decreased their BMI z-score by -0.04 units relative to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Living closer to a supermarket is associated with greater improvements in fruit and vegetable intake and weight status in an obesity intervention.
Authors: Lauren Fiechtner, Ken Kleinman, Steven J. Melly, Mona Sharifi, Richard Marshall, Jason Block, Erika R. Cheng, Elsie M. Taveras
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Workplace Wellness Initiatives to Combat Obesity, G334465762, Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center (UL1), Research Training in Prevention and Care of Chronic Illness in Childhood, G7326241830, Training in Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Boston Area Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC)
OpenAlex ID: W2252453066