Accessibility, quality and affordability of healthy food options can drive the demand for and consumption of a healthy diet.
Food systems are closely linked to dietary choices. The association between diet and wellbeing is widely recognised. Accessibility, quality and affordability of healthy food options such as fruits and vegetables can drive the demand for and consumption of healthy diet and promote healthy eating. According to the CDC, elements of the food environment such as proximity to and distribution of restaurants, supermarkets, fast-food outlets and availability of land for local food production are important planning consideration for any food system.
Our review found that living in close proximity to unhealthy food outlets such as fast food outlets can increase the risk of obesity and type II diabetes while proximity to supermarkets and fruit/vegetable market can reduce the risk of obesity, especially among children.