'Obesogenic' School Food Environments? An Urban Case Study in The Netherlands

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Mar 28;15(4):619. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040619.

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to explore and define socio-economic (SES) differences in urban school food environments in The Netherlands. (2) Methods: Retail food outlets, ready-to-eat products, in-store food promotions and food advertisements in public space were determined within 400 m walking distance of all secondary schools in the 4th largest city of The Netherlands. Fisher's exact tests were conducted. (3) Results: In total, 115 retail outlets sold ready-to-eat food and drink products during school hours. Fast food outlets were more often in the vicinity of schools in lower SES (28.6%) than in higher SES areas (11.5%). In general, unhealthy options (e.g., fried snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB)) were more often for sale, in-store promoted or advertised in comparison with healthy options (e.g., fruit, vegetables, bottled water). Sport/energy drinks were more often for sale, and fried snacks/fries, hamburgers/kebab and SSB were more often promoted or advertised in lower SES areas than in higher SES-areas. (4) Conclusion: In general, unhealthy food options were more often presented than the healthy options, but only a few SES differences were observed. The results, however, imply that efforts in all school areas are needed to make the healthy option the default option during school time.

Keywords: adolescents; eating behavior; food advertisements; food environment; nutrition; obesity; retail outlets; secondary school; urban areas.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Food / adverse effects*
  • Food Supply / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Netherlands
  • Pediatric Obesity / economics
  • Pediatric Obesity / etiology*
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Risk Factors
  • Schools*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Urban Health*