Living in close proximity to fast food restaurants actually has a direct effect on an individual’s consumption of fast food, according to a report released this summer. The study was conducted by the group Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) between 1985 and 2001. Monitoring over 5000 residents of Chicago, Oakland, Minneapolis and Birmingham, CARDIA discovered a direct correlation between living near a fast food restaurant and how big a part this junk food plays in your diet.

CARDIA reported that the correlation between proximity and diet was especially striking in low-income families. They reported that those in lower-class areas with fast food establishments within a three-kilometer radius were even more likely to have a poor diet. This can likely be attributed to the inexpensive nature and convenience of fast food.

A very interesting finding of this study is that while there is a relation between proximity and fast food consumption, no such correlation exists between availability of grocery stores and healthy eating. The report states that there is no significant rise in consumption of fruit and vegetables even with supermarkets in walking distance.

What does this mean to you? It means that the temptation of cheap, readily-available junk food is hard to resist. This study proves the oft-theorized connection between availability and obesity. You can apply these findings to your home life. If you want to lose weight, environment is definitely a factor. You can’t pack up and move away from fast food restaurants, but you can limit your access to junk food in your own home. Staying away from junk food and fast food is a big step on the road to JSAPA Weight Loss Surgery.