Even motivated dieters need close access to healthy food

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-10/uomm-sem100714.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 7-Oct-2014

Contact: Lisa Larson
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Study: Even motivated dieters need close access to healthy food
UMMS and DPH findings challenge previous conclusions about healthy eating and neighborhood environment

You're obese, at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and so motivated to improve your diet that you've enrolled in an intensive behavioral program. But if you need to travel more than a short distance to a store that offers a good selection of healthy food, your success may be limited.

A new study from UMass Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health finds that not having close access to healthy foods can deter even the most motivated dieters from improving their diet, suggesting that easy access to healthy food is as important as personal motivation and professional guidance from health care providers.

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The effect of living closer to a healthy food store remained constant regardless of other factors including age, race, education and income. Eighty-nine percent of participants were white; almost half had at least a bachelor's degree; one-third reported household income exceeding $75,000 a year; and almost all owned cars.

But with almost 40 percent of stores in the study area not meeting criteria for healthy choices, "The striking finding is that in order for a dietary intervention to be effective, the participant needs a supportive neighborhood environment," said Li.

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