‘Obesogenic’ School Food Environments? An Urban Case Study in The Netherlands

Joris Timmermans, Coosje Dijkstra, Carlijn Kamphuis, Marlijn Huitink, Egbert Van der Zee and Maartje Poelman
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Joris Timmermans: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
Coosje Dijkstra: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU-University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Carlijn Kamphuis: Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands
Marlijn Huitink: Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU-University, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Egbert Van der Zee: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands
Maartje Poelman: Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Princetonlaan 8a, 3584 CB Utrecht, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: (1) Background: This study aimed to explore and define socio-economic (SES) differences in urban school food environments in The Netherlands. (2) Methods: Retail food outlets, ready-to-eat products, in-store food promotions and food advertisements in public space were determined within 400 m walking distance of all secondary schools in the 4th largest city of The Netherlands. Fisher’s exact tests were conducted. (3) Results: In total, 115 retail outlets sold ready-to-eat food and drink products during school hours. Fast food outlets were more often in the vicinity of schools in lower SES (28.6%) than in higher SES areas (11.5%). In general, unhealthy options (e.g., fried snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB)) were more often for sale, in-store promoted or advertised in comparison with healthy options (e.g., fruit, vegetables, bottled water). Sport/energy drinks were more often for sale, and fried snacks/fries, hamburgers/kebab and SSB were more often promoted or advertised in lower SES areas than in higher SES-areas. (4) Conclusion: In general, unhealthy food options were more often presented than the healthy options, but only a few SES differences were observed. The results, however, imply that efforts in all school areas are needed to make the healthy option the default option during school time.

Keywords: food environment; obesity; urban areas; retail outlets; food advertisements; secondary school; eating behavior; nutrition; adolescents (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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