A significant study presented at ObesityWeek 2024 has unveiled a stark connection between historical redlining practices and higher obesity prevalence in affected communities. The research, led by Dr. Rebekah J. Walker from the University at Buffalo, highlights how structural racism continues to impact health outcomes through reduced access to nutritious food.
The study, which analyzed 11,457 census tracts across 201 counties in 38 states, found that areas historically subjected to redlining – a discriminatory practice that limited access to loans and other resources in predominantly minority neighborhoods – now face significantly higher rates of obesity. This disparity is largely attributed to limited access to healthy food options in these communities.
Dr. Walker emphasized that social determinants account for 30% to 55% of health outcomes, underscoring the critical need to address root causes of health disparities. The research revealed a direct association between both redlining and lower food access with higher obesity prevalence.
The modified retail food environment index, which measures the ratio of healthy food retailers to all food retailers in a given area, was used to assess food access. Higher scores on this index, indicating better access to nutritious options, were associated with lower obesity rates.
These findings call for multilevel interventions that combine individual nutrition education with broader modifications to the food environment. Dr. Walker stressed the importance of policy interventions that account for community members’ lived experiences and address underlying poverty at both individual and community levels.
As the nation grapples with obesity rates affecting one in five children and two in five adults, this research provides crucial insights into the long-lasting impacts of structural racism on public health. It highlights the urgent need for targeted strategies to improve food access and mitigate the health consequences of historical discriminatory practices.
See “Historical redlining tied to higher obesity prevalence through lack of food access” (November 22, 2024)
