Published: February 2012

ID #: 57931

Journal: J Policy Anal Manage

Authors: Datar A, Nicosia N

See more related research

Share


This paper estimates the effects of junk food availability on body mass index (BMI), obesity, and related outcomes among a national sample of fifth graders. The researchers found that junk food availability does not significantly increase BMI or obesity among this fifth-grade cohort despite the increased likelihood of in-school junk food purchases. Estimates suggest that the caloric contribution of in-school junk food purchases are small, that the total amount of soda and fast food consumed in- and out-of-school are not significantly higher among children with greater availability of junk food in schools, and that there is little support for the idea that children substitute calories from healthy foods or increase their physical activity to compensate for increased junk food intake.

Related Research

November 2008

Food Prices and Weight Gain During Elementary School: 5-Year Update

Elementary school children in communities with high produce prices are more likely to gain weight than those areas with low produce costs, according to a study published in Public Health. The study, Food Prices and Weight Gain During Elementary School: 5-year Update, showed that children who lived in the 15 areas where fruits and vegetables More

September 2008

The Effect of Soft Drink Availability in Elementary Schools on Consumption

A study in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association finds that limiting the availability of soft drinks in elementary schools may not significantly affect overall soda consumption by children. The study found that limiting soft drink availability in elementary schools was associated with only a 4 percent reduced likelihood of any consumption in the More

July 2008

Disparities in the Food Environment Surrounding U.S. Middle and High Schools

Easy availability of snacks, sodas, alcohol, and fast food in the immediate vicinity of a school could easily negate school food policies. Surrounding food outlets could also lower the effectiveness of health education in the classroom by setting a highly visible example that counters educational messages. The most pernicious one is arguably the location of More

June 2006

Study on Food Policies and Environments In and Around Elementary Schools and Their Relationship with Food Consumption and Body Mass Index

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of state competitive food policies, food environments inside schools, and food environments nearby schools on children’s food purchases, consumption, and body mass using data on a national sample of elementary school children. In addition, the study will examine socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in school food More