The influence of access to healthy food retail on BMI: Implications for obesity prevention policy at the local government level

Achieving good population level measures of access to healthy food retailers have been suggested to support healthy diets and weight. However, there is little evidence to suggest that population measures of access to healthy food at the local government level is effective in supporting healthier weight of the community. The objective of this study was to establish whether in Greater Melbourne (Australia) population measures of food retail accessibility to Supermarkets and a mix of Healthy outlets (e.g., supermarkets, greengrocers, sushi outlets) within 1 km from home (based on the guidelines for metropolitan areas) at the local government area (LGA) level is associated with significantly different measures of healthy weight; and, whether this association is consistent over time after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and access to Less Healthy and Unhealthy food retail outlets within this area. The findings of this secondary repeat cross-sectional analysis indicate that in LGAs where over 50 % of the population has access to a variety of healthy food outlets within a 1 km buffer, mean BMI is significantly lower than in LGAs with less than 50 % of the population. Healthy food outlets in this study include greengrocers, butchers, supermarkets, and specialty stores (such as wholefoods and cultural food shops), along with healthier takeaway options like sushi, salad, and sandwich bars. In contrast, the availability of a supermarket within 1 km alone showed no significant association with lower BMI at the LGA level. Findings support future efforts to routinely measure access to food retail at the LGA level and enforce accessibility recommendations to support population health.