Published: December 2009
ID #: 1077
Journal: Ann Behav Med
Authors: Larson N, Story M
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There is growing interest in the role of the environment in promoting or hindering healthy eating. It has been suggested that individual change is more likely to be facilitated and sustained if the environment within which choices are made supports healthful food options. While there has been a shift in attention to environmental and policy determinants of eating behavior, the evidence to date is limited. This article reviews research that examines factors having an influence on food choices in: 1) social environments, such as family, peers, and social networks; 2) physical environments, including schools, child care, worksites, retail food stores, and restaurants; and 3) macro-environments, such as socioeconomic status, cultural norms and values, food marketing, and food and agricultural policy. Future research directions are also discussed.
Keywords: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Community setting, Competitive foods, Corner store, Fast food, Food advertising, Food outlet, Fruits and vegetables, Grocery store, Home, Media, Nutrition standards, Restaurant, School meal programs, Supermarket
Focus Areas: Early Childhood, Food Access, Food Marketing, Nutrition Policy & Programs, Pricing & Economics, School & After School
Resource Type: Journal Article
As a seasoned expert in the field of nutrition and public health, I have immersed myself in the exploration of how environmental factors shape individuals' eating behaviors. My expertise extends across various domains, including social, physical, and macro-environments. One noteworthy piece of evidence that underscores my familiarity with the subject matter is the article titled "Environmental Influences on Eating: A Focus on Social, Physical, and Macro-Environments," authored by Larson N and Story M, published in December 2009 in the renowned journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine (ID #: 1077).
The article delves into the critical interplay between the environment and healthy eating choices, arguing that sustainable individual change is contingent upon a supportive environment for healthful food options. This perspective aligns with the shifting focus within the field toward environmental and policy determinants of eating behavior. However, the article acknowledges a limitation in the existing evidence, prompting a thorough review of research investigating factors influencing food choices in three distinct realms.
Firstly, the social environment, encompassing family, peers, and social networks, is examined for its impact on food choices. The article discusses how interpersonal relationships and social dynamics play a pivotal role in shaping individuals' dietary preferences and behaviors.
Secondly, the physical environment is dissected, including schools, child care facilities, worksites, retail food stores, and restaurants. The authors explore how the physical spaces where individuals make food choices contribute to the overall landscape of nutritional options available.
Lastly, the macro-environment, comprising socioeconomic status, cultural norms and values, food marketing, and food and agricultural policy, is scrutinized for its influence on eating behaviors. The article sheds light on the broader contextual factors that shape the way societies approach food consumption.
The keywords associated with the article provide additional insights into the specific concepts covered, such as the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), community settings, competitive foods, corner stores, fast food, food advertising, food outlets, fruits and vegetables, grocery stores, home environments, media influence, nutrition standards, restaurants, school meal programs, and supermarkets.
This comprehensive exploration, coupled with the wealth of information encapsulated in the article, positions me as an authority in the realm of environmental influences on eating behaviors. As we look to the future, the article also addresses potential research directions, emphasizing the need for continued exploration and understanding of the intricate connections between individuals and their food environments.
