Multiple pathways from the neighborhood food environment to increased body mass index through dietary behaviors: A structural equation-based analysis in the CARDIA study

Andrea S. Richardson, Katie A. Meyer, Annie Green Howard, Janne Boone-Heinonen, Barry M. Popkin, Kelly R. Evenson, James M. Shikany, Cora E. Lewis, Penny Gordon-Larsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To examine longitudinal pathways from multiple types of neighborhood restaurants and food stores to BMI, through dietary behaviors. Methods: We used data from participants (n=5114) in the United States-based Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study and a structural equation model to estimate longitudinal (1985-86 to 2005-06) pathways simultaneously from neighborhood fast food restaurants, sit-down restaurants, supermarkets, and convenience stores to BMI through dietary behaviors, controlling for socioeconomic status (SES) and physical activity. Results: Higher numbers of neighborhood fast food restaurants and lower numbers of sit-down restaurants were associated with higher consumption of an obesogenic fast food-type diet. The pathways from food stores to BMI through diet were inconsistent in magnitude and statistical significance. Conclusions: Efforts to decrease the numbers of neighborhood fast food restaurants and to increase the numbers of sit-down restaurant options could influence diet behaviors. Availability of neighborhood fast food and sit-down restaurants may play comparatively stronger roles than food stores in shaping dietary behaviors and BMI.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)74-87
Number of pages14
JournalHealth and Place
Volume36
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2015

Keywords

  • Body mass index
  • Diet
  • Geographic information systems
  • Longitudinal study
  • Neighborhood food environment
  • Structural equation model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Life-span and Life-course Studies

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