Thinking of moving? Study finds that the more fast food restaurants there are near your home, the higher your risk of diabetes

A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that the density of fast food restaurants within 300 meters of residence and the presence of at least one fast food restaurant within 100 meters of residence were associated with a higher risk of diabetes.

Researchers from London, UK, collected health data from 12,167 participants living in South Asia, as well as data on the density of food stores around their homes.

After analysis, it was found that if there were more fast food restaurants within 300 meters around their residence, it was significantly correlated with an average increase in blood sugar of 9.21 mg/dl. Every 1% increase in the number of fast food restaurants around the residence was significantly correlated with an 8% increase in the risk of diabetes.

In addition, having at least one fast food restaurant within 100 meters of residence was significantly associated with a 2.14 mg/dl increase in blood glucose, and a 16% and 19% increase in the risk of blood glucose and diabetes, respectively.

Interestingly, this correlation differs between men and women.

For women, the association between fast food restaurant density within 300 meters of residence and blood sugar was more pronounced.

Among men, the association between the density of fast food restaurants within 100 meters of residence and blood sugar was more obvious.

What does this mean? Does it mean that women like to order takeout, even if it’s far away? Are men not afraid to walk 100 meters just to get a meal?

Do you agree with this result? Have you considered moving?

Reference articles:

10.1371/journal.pmed.1003970