High obesity-related cancer mortality linked to easy access to fast food
Obesity has been a significant contributor to various health issues, including cancer. A recent cross-sectional study published in JAMA Oncology highlights the role of food environments in obesity-related cancer mortality. Communities with easy access to fast food were found to be 77% more likely to have high levels of obesity-related cancer mortality.
Researchers led by Dr. Malcolm Seth Bevel from the Medical College of Georgia analysed food access and cancer mortality data from over 3,000 counties in the United States. The study aimed to understand the association between food deserts (areas with limited access to grocery stores and healthy food options) and food swamps (areas with easy access to convenience stores and fast food) and obesity-related cancer mortality rates.
Using data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Environment Atlas and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the researchers calculated food desert and food swamp scores for each county. A higher score indicated fewer healthy food resources in the area.
The primary outcome of the study was obesity-related cancer mortality, defined as either high or low (71.8 or higher per 100,000 individuals and less than 71.8 per 100,000 individuals, respectively). The results showed that counties with high food swamp scores (easy access to fast food) were 77% more likely to have high rates of obesity-related cancer mortality.
Further analysis revealed a positive dose-response relationship between food desert scores, food swamp scores, and obesity-related cancer mortality rates. Counties with high rates of obesity-related cancer mortality also had a higher percentage of non-Hispanic Black residents, higher percentage of adults older than 65 years, higher rates of adult obesity, and higher rates of adult diabetes.
The study demonstrates the significant impact of food environments on obesity-related cancer mortality rates. Communities with easy access to fast food have a considerably higher risk of obesity-related cancer deaths. The findings emphasise the importance of promoting healthier food environments and improving access to nutritious food options in order to reduce obesity and its associated health risks, including cancer.