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Designed for Disease: The Link Between Local Food Environments and Obesity and Diabetes

In an effort to share our research with our constituents, PolicyLink continues to report—often in conjunction with partners—around equitable strategies that can help all Americans prosper. By “Lifting Up What Works” and spreading the stories of effective change on the ground, we highlight proven efforts to improve communities and support the work needed to replicate those efforts.

Designed for Disease: The Link Between Local Food Environments and Obesity and Diabetes

This study by PolicyLink, the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, and California Center for Public Health Advocacy, examines the correlation between the health of nearly 40,000 Californians and the mix of retail food outlets near their homes. The key finding is that people living in neighborhoods crowded with fast-food and convenience stores but relatively few grocery or produce outlets are at significantly higher risk of suffering from obesity and diabetes. Click here to view a "Detailed Methodology" and click here for a one-pager of related "Policy Recommendations."

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