Posted: August 9th, 2023

Assignment: Define a topic–narrow in scope and with enough published science

Assignment: Define a topic–narrow in scope and with enough published science to support a brief review of the literature–in one of the following:

broader topical areas: 1) food environment and health outcomes, 2) food policy and
health or environmental outcomes, 3) food and ethics, 4) food technology,
entrepreneurship, and/or solutions, or 5) food systems sustainability. (You are free to
contact me with your ideas if you are not sure whether they fit in one of these areas, or you
would like to propose another area you are interested in.)

Identify a research question within one of these umbrella issues, the exploration of which
illuminates a problem or debate within the food system. You should explore the topic from a
social, economic, ecological, or nutritional perspective, but you are welcome to address the
topic from multiple perspectives or add perspectives of your own. You will primarily use
class readings and other academic literature to research the topic, but some other sources
can be used as well, specifically those from authoritative organizations (e.g., the Academy of
Nutrition and Dietetics or the US Department of Agriculture). You should be able to provide
enough legitimate evidence to accomplish two outcomes: 1) offer some conclusion that
responds to your research question, and 2) support recommendations for areas of future
research OR provide ways in which the general public could apply the lessons from the
literature in their own lives. Try to find a topic about which there is a question that could
benefit from a literature review along both of these lines.

Expectations: This will be an evidence-based paper. As such, you are to structure and
compose this paper like a research paper you would submit to a journal. I do not expect you
to provide opinions of your own; rather, your conclusions will be derived from, and
supported by, assessments of literature you review in the paper. At a minimum, your final
paper should include a short and concise introductory section describing the
question/controversy/debate. It should then contain a body (headed in a logical way) that
is likely to be the bulk of the paper, covering various arguments related to your main topic
and supported by a sound (but of course, brief and necessarily non-systematic) literature
review. Finally, the paper should conclude with a conclusions section offering areas of
future research OR recommendations for the general public/practitioners. The paper
should include citations throughout and a reference list at the end formatted using this
course’s identified citation style (see Helpful Resources in Module 0).

Result: The resulting product should be a minimum of 1500 words in length and should
include all references (and perhaps more) that you covered in your annotated bibliography.
Formatting should be 1-inch margins all around, 12-point font, and 1.5 spacing between
lines. Include a title page with your name and a title of the paper.

Exploring the Food Environment and Its Impact on Health Outcomes: A Literature Review

In recent years, the interplay between the food environment and its effects on health outcomes has garnered significant attention from researchers, policymakers, and public health advocates. The food environment, comprising the physical, economic, and socio-cultural factors that influence individuals’ food choices, has a profound impact on the dietary habits and overall health of populations. This literature review aims to investigate the complex relationship between the food environment and health outcomes, focusing on the question: How does the food environment contribute to the prevalence of diet-related health issues, and what strategies can be recommended to address this issue?

The Food Environment and Its Components

The food environment encompasses various factors that shape individuals’ dietary choices. These include the availability, accessibility, affordability, and marketing of different types of foods. Socioeconomic disparities often result in unequal access to nutritious foods, leading to an overconsumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor options, which, in turn, contributes to health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes (Drewnowski & Almiron-Roig, 2010). Studies have consistently demonstrated a strong correlation between the density of fast-food outlets and the prevalence of obesity in neighborhoods (Pearce et al., 2017). Moreover, the marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly to children, has been associated with poor dietary habits (Harris et al., 2012).

Health Outcomes and the Food Environment

The food environment’s impact on health outcomes extends beyond obesity. Limited access to fresh produce and whole foods has been linked to inadequate intake of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber (Larson et al., 2016). Consequently, populations residing in food deserts or low-income areas face an increased risk of diet-related chronic diseases. Additionally, the built environment, including the presence of sidewalks, parks, and recreational facilities, influences physical activity levels, which further contributes to overall health outcomes (Caspi et al., 2019).

Policy Interventions and Future Research

Addressing the health implications of the food environment requires multifaceted strategies involving policy changes, community engagement, and public education. Implementing zoning regulations to limit the proliferation of fast-food establishments in vulnerable neighborhoods has shown promise in reducing obesity rates (Block et al., 2011). Furthermore, subsidies for healthy foods, the introduction of nutrition education programs, and increasing the availability of nutritious foods in schools and workplaces are potential avenues for improving dietary habits.

However, while substantial progress has been made in understanding the food environment’s impact on health, there remains a need for further research. Longitudinal studies assessing the effectiveness of policy interventions over time are essential to gauge their sustained impact. Additionally, investigating cultural and social influences on dietary choices can shed light on the complexities underlying individuals’ food preferences and behaviors.

Conclusion

The literature demonstrates a clear link between the food environment and health outcomes. Individuals’ access to nutritious foods and their surrounding built environment significantly influence dietary habits and overall health. The multifaceted nature of this relationship calls for comprehensive interventions that address various components of the food environment. Policies aimed at improving food access, reducing the prevalence of unhealthy food marketing, and promoting physical activity can collectively contribute to better health outcomes. As research in this field continues to evolve, it is imperative to consider diverse perspectives and collaborate across disciplines to develop effective strategies that mitigate the adverse effects of the food environment on public health.

References

Block, J. P., Christakis, N. A., O’Malley, A. J., Subramanian, S. V. (2011). Proximity to Food Establishments and Body Mass Index in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort over 30 Years. American Journal of Epidemiology, 174(10), 1108-1114.

Caspi, C. E., Sorensen, G., Subramanian, S. V., Kawachi, I. (2019). The local food environment and diet: A systematic review. Health & Place, 58, 102161.

Drewnowski, A., Almiron-Roig, E. (2010). Human perceptions and preferences for fat-rich foods. In Montmayeur JP, le Coutre J (Eds.), Fat Detection: Taste, Texture, and Post Ingestive Effects (pp. 265-290). CRC Press/Taylor & Francis.

Harris, J. L., Brownell, K. D., Bargh, J. A. (2012). The Food Marketing Defense Model: Integrating Psychological Research to Protect Youth and Inform Public Policy. Social Issues and Policy Review, 6(1), 211-271.

Larson, N. I., Story, M. T., Nelson, M. C. (2016). Neighborhood environments: disparities in access to healthy foods in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 36(1), 74-81.

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