Urban 'Corner Stores' Can Contribute To Child Obesity

Main Category: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 13 Oct 2009 - 17:00 PST

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The easy availability of low-nutrition snacks may contribute to childhood obesity in minority and low-income communities. In the study, "Snacking in Children: The Role of Urban Corner Stores," researchers conducted more than 800 interviews on children in grades 4 through 6, from 10 urban elementary schools in which half or more of the students receive free or reduced-price meals.

The students were interviewed outside 24 corner convenience stores before and after school. The study found that the most frequently purchased items were high-calorie, low-nutrition foods such as chips, candy and sugar-sweetened beverages. On average, each student spent $1.07 for two food or beverage items, with almost 360 calories.

The study authors recommend that nutrition and obesity prevention efforts address neighborhood convenience stores and their proximity to schools.

Source
American Academy of Pediatrics