Pre-school obesity is inversely associated with vegetable intake, grocery stores and outdoor play

The study determined the association between body mass index (BMI) z score and fruit and vegetable intake, frequency and ratio of fast food outlets and grocery stores in concentric areas around the child's residence, outdoor play and total crime index. Data from 78 Louisiana pre-school children were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis. Parental-reported fruit intake was linearly associated with increased number of grocery store counts in concentric areas around the child's residence (P=0.0406, P=0.0281). Vegetable intake was inversely (P=0.04) and the ratio of fast food outlets to grocery stores in a 2-mile concentric area around the child's residence was positively (P=0.05) associated to BMI z score after applying Best Model regression analysis (F=3.06, P=0.0346). Children residing in neighbourhoods with greater access to fast foods and lower access to fruits and vegetables may be at higher risk for developing obesity during pre-school years.