Fast-food restaurants and bars commonly serve unhealthy foods and drinks that have been linked to cardiovasculardisease, according to lead study author Lou Qi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Tulane University in New Orleans.
The study was conducted on data on half a million adults aged 37-73 from the British Biobank database.
Researchers measured participants’ exposure to three types of eating establishments: bars/pubs, restaurants/cafes and fast food restaurants. Exposure was determined based on proximity (living within one kilometre or a 15-minute walk) and density (number of fast food outlets within one kilometre).
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The study
The study recorded nearly 13000 cases of heart failure over a 12-year follow-up period and found that greater proximity and density of ready-to-eat food outlets was associated with an increased risk of heart failure.
Overall, participants who lived in an area with a higher density of convenience stores (an area with eleven or more convenience stores within one kilometre) had a 16% greater risk of heart failure compared with those who did not have convenience stores close to their home.
Those in areas with the highest density of pubs and bars had a 14% higher risk of heart failure, while those living in areas with the highest density of fast food outlets had a 12% higher risk.
Participants living closer to pubs and bars, less than 500 metres away, had a 13% higher risk of heart failure, while those living closer to fast food outlets had a 10% higher risk compared to those living more than two kilometres away.
The association between dietary environment and increased risk of heart failure was strongest among those without a university degree and those who lived in urban areas without access to physical activity facilities such as gyms.
Author: Rachel Kaur - Psychologist, dietitian, life coach
Rachel Kaur is a dedicated dietician and psychologist, with a passion for helping individuals achieve holistic well-being. With a dual expertise in nutrition and mental health, she empowers her clients to make sustainable lifestyle changes, fostering physical and emotional health. Rachel's compassionate approach makes her a trusted wellness partner.
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Fast-food restaurants and bars commonly serve unhealthy foods and drinks that have been linked to cardiovascular disease, according to lead study author Lou Qi, a professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Tulane University in New Orleans.
