SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Where you live, and how many restaurants, fast food joints, and grocery stores, could determine how much you weigh. But, you might be surprised to learn that the results of a University of Utah study finds the more food you have in your neighborhood the less likely your chances are of being obese.
Mary Sarver a Salt Lake City resident said she only uses a car once or twice a week. She lives in a neighborhood with plenty of food options, from fast food and fine dining, to convenience and grocery stores. She said, "I love living really close to coffee shops. I go there really often and I love living close to the grocery store, especiialy a really good grocery store where I can find what I need."
Mary said she walks to one of these destinations almost every day. According to the University of Utah study, involving more than 500,000 Salt Lake Residents she is 10% less likely to be obese living in a neighborhood with more food options.
Catherine Zick a Professor at the University of Utah said, "It may be that having a diverse set of destinations that are within walking distance of your home actually promotes more active living and may promote better food choices."
The study also found 40% of Salt Lake County residents have mixed food options, 30% have access to just one retail food option, and 30% live in an area with no food options at all in low income areas. The study found one good grocery store is critical healthy living, the chances are 26% greater of being obese without it.
Zick said, "Individuals who may have less access to private transportation options can walk to the grocery store and make better choices they have access to fruits."
The average rate of obesity in Salt Lake County in 25%, and Professor Zick said if simply changing the configuration of a neighborhood reduces that by 10% thats significant.
