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Systematic Review Question

What is the relationship between the environment, body weight and fruit/vegetable consumption?

Conclusion Statement

An emerging body of evidence has documented the impact of the food environment and select behaviors on body weight in both children and adults.

Moderately strong evidence now indicates that the food environment is associated with dietary intake, especially less consumption of vegetables and fruits and higher body weight. The presence of supermarkets in local neighborhoods and other sources of vegetables and fruits are associated with lower body mass index (BMI), especially for low-income Americans, while lack of supermarkets and long distances to supermarkets are associated with higher BMI. Finally, limited but consistent evidence suggests that increased geographic density of fast food restaurants and convenience stores is also related to increased BMI.

2010 DGAC Grade: Moderate