The price of fresh fruits and vegetables would influence the obesity rate according to an American study.
A low income promotes obesity, as we know, because it encourages the purchase of inexpensive foods that are often saturated in fats and sugars. A study by American University, published this February 20 in Pediatrics, suggests that the prices charged in the food sector are also a risk factor.
“There is a weak, but significant, association between the price of fruit and vegetables and a high BMI in children,” said Taryn Morrissey, lead author of the study. “These associations are more due to a change in the prices of fresh fruits and vegetables than to those of frozen or canned products”, adds Alison Jacknowitz, co-author of the study. The two researchers observed a higher average BMI in children from middle-income or low-income households when the price of fruit and vegetables increases. The study focused on families of 4 who earned less than € 4,300 per month.
+ 17% in 6 years
In order to define to what extent the local prices of fruits and vegetables influence obesity, the researchers reviewed several national studies, which they cross-checked with the prices charged by zone. Food prices in grocery stores and restaurants were taken into account. Between 1997 and 2003, fruits and vegetables became 17% more expensive, while snacks and sugary drinks became more popular. Over the same period, children’s BMI has jumped. Today, 26% of 2-5 year olds are overweight. The explanation is simple: the prices of fresh fruit and vegetables are rising, families are buying less. On the other hand, purchases of less expensive but also less healthy food are on the rise.
Another surprising observation: when the prices charged by fast food are high, obesity is quite present. According to the researchers, this is explained by a freedom of restaurants to inflate the bill when demand is high, while supermarkets cannot.
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