This study assessed the relationship between the retail food environment and body mass index (BMI) in Mexico, where 75% of the population is overweight or obese. Using data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) and the 2014 economic census, researchers analyzed the density of various food outlets (convenience stores, restaurants, fast-food restaurants, supermarkets, fruit and vegetable stores) and their association with BMI in a sample of 22,219 adults. Convenience store density was significantly associated with higher BMI. A unit increase in convenience store density correlated with a small but statistically significant increase in BMI. Metropolitan areas showed the strongest associations between food outlet density and BMI. The study concludes that the high density of convenience stores offering unhealthy food options, coupled with limited access to healthy food resources, may contribute to higher BMI in Mexico.

Elisa Pineda, Eric J. Brunner, Clare H. Llewellyn, Jennifer S. Mindell