Influence of Highly Accessible Urban Food Environment on Weight Management: A Qualitative Study in Seoul

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Apr 14;15(4):755. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15040755.

Abstract

We explored the characteristics of the food environment and its influence on weight management in Seoul, Korea. Photo elicitation interviews were conducted with 73 participants who took three photographs per topic related to their food environment and discussed these photographs in groups. Through thematic analysis, we identified four themes concerning participants' perceptions of the food environment and weight management: (1) "convenience comes first," (2) "tempting food environment," (3) "alcohol and anju," and (4) "burden of individual effort to manage weight." A systematic change toward an environment supportive of healthy eating and weight management is recommended.

Keywords: food environment; obesity; photo elicitation interview; qualitative research; urban health; weight management.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight*
  • Diet, Healthy / psychology*
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Food Supply*
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Perception
  • Qualitative Research
  • Republic of Korea
  • Seoul
  • Urban Health*