Gender, Weight Loss Efforts, and Fast Food Locations: Evidence of Differential Effect on BMI?

Authors

Maria C. Chang, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, School of Public HealthFollow
Vincent Chen, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, School of Public HealthFollow
Courtney P. Winston, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, School of Public HealthFollow
Luisa Franzini, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, School of Public HealthFollow
Deanna M. Hoelscher, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, School of Public Health and Center for Healthy Living, Austin Regional CampusFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Research on the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and proximity of fast food restaurants surrounding schools, proxy measures for fast food access, have produced mixed results. We evaluated whether gender and self-report of weight loss behaviors modified the relationship between BMI and proportion of fast food restaurants (FFRp). Method: We obtained weight and height information for 6,456 11th graders from 108 schools that participated in the 2004-2005 Texas School Physical Activity and Nutrition surveillance. Internet searches were used to determine FFRp within 0.25 and 0.50 miles from schools. FFRp was determined by dividing the number of FFR by the sum of FFR and other restaurants. Multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the association between FFRp to schools and adolescent BMI within four groups: females trying to lose weight (FTW), females not trying to lose weight (FNTW), males trying to lose weight (MTW), and males not trying to lose weight (MNTW). Results: Survey weighted analysis indicated 26% FTW, 23% FNTW, 13% MTW, and 38% MNTW. Mean FFR within 0.25 miles from school was 0.9 (SD=1.9) and within 0.50 miles was 3.3 (SD=3.5). We found a significant decrease in BMI among FTW as FFRp increased within 0.25 miles from the schools (% change in y for the % change in x=-0.060; 95% CI=-0.113, -0.002). A significant increase in BMI was found among FNTW as FFRp increased within 0.50 miles from the schools (0.118; 95% CI=0.0002, 0.250). Within male groups, no significant relationships were found between BMI and FFRp. We observed a positive relationship between BMI and FFRp within 0.50 miles from schools for 3 of the 4 groups. Furthermore, we observed increases in the coefficients between BMI and FFRp from 0.25 to 0.50 miles from schools. Conclusions: Differential effects found between gender and weight loss behaviors indicate the importance of examining ecological approaches with other determinants when evaluating obesity risk. Positive relationships may be related to the increased availability of FFR near schools. Larger, more diverse sample sizes are warranted to further investigate the observed relationships.

Recommended Citation

Chang, Maria C.; Chen, Vincent; Winston, Courtney P.; Franzini, Luisa; and Hoelscher, Deanna M. (2010) "Gender, Weight Loss Efforts, and Fast Food Locations: Evidence of Differential Effect on BMI?," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 6: Iss. 1, Article 13.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol6/iss1/13