Worldwide Relation between Fast Food Availability and Obesity Rates

Maria Editha N. Lim
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Maria Editha N. Lim: Central Luzon State University, Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022, vol. 6, issue 9, 336-341

Abstract: With thirty nine percent (39%) adults worldwide as overweight or obese in 2016, obesity has alarmingly reached epidemic proportions. Obesity has been associated with decreased life expectancy, increased mortality rates and diminished quality of life. Data show that its economic costs like healthcare expenses, reduced productivity and work loss are staggering. Obese people suffer from discrimination, depression and low self-esteem. Indeed, an examination of the determinants of obesity has become imperative. This study examined how food environments, specifically the availability of fast foods are associated with obesity. Using a quantitative methodology, this study analyzed country level data from 93 countries. Correlation and regression analysis were done to determine whether relationships exist between obesity rates (dependent variable) and independent variables such as number of persons per fast food establishment, number of persons per McDonald establishment, population, globalization index, average disposal income. Correlation results show that only globalization index has a positive relationship with obesity rates. Income classification of countries, population, number of persons per McDonald’s outlet and number of persons per fast food outlet are negatively correlated with obesity. Results from the regression analysis show three predictors of obesity rates: number of persons per McDonald’s outlet and number of persons per fast food and population. These predictors can account only 25 percent of total variability in obesity levels. In conclusion, though the relationship between fastfood availability and obesity is established, fastfood availability is not a strong single cause of obesity

Date: 2022
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