Type and density of food environment in an area of high deprivation and high childhood obesity: a geographical mapping study

The association between obesity and deprivation are strongly evidenced and socioeconomic disparities of exposure to the food environment are known to exist. Aims and objectives: Using Middlesbrough (in top 20% of the most deprived unitary authorities in England) case studies to understand, at micro level, what the food environment in an area of high deprivation and high childhood obesity looks like. Methods: The Food Standard Agency Food Hygiene Rating Scheme was used to provide data on food outlets. Percentage of obesity for children aged 4-5 and 10-11 years were obtained from the National Child Measurement Program at the ward level. Results: Mapping and overlaying of data indicated many of areas across Middlesbrough with high convenience and ‘instant’ food outlet concentration were also those where prevalence of child obesity and the level of deprivation were highest. Two wards that had the highest prevalence of childhood obesity for 10-11 year olds, also had the highest concentration of convenience and ‘instant’ food outlets. Within 400 m radius buffer distance from both primary and secondary schools, different types of takeaway outlets were accessible especially in the most deprived wards. Further geocoding indicated availability of fast-food outlets within 500 m, 800m and 1,000 m radius of both primary and secondary schools in different wards in which have the highest prevalence of childhood obesity and index of multiple deprivation. Conclusion: Overlaying of data allows to identify locations and populations which need the most attention from local government. While we have had successive obesity strategies, it highlights childhood obesity is an issue in the most deprived communities where the environment may not promote a healthy diet. Results of this study can be locally used as part of the evidence base in the formation of future policy regarding takeaway and fast-food outlets, especially in terms of school fringes.