SUN-706 Geospatial Analysis of Food Deserts and Obesity in Texas: A CDC Data-Driven Heatmap Study

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Abdullah: None. S.H. Ali: None. M.N. Kulkarni-Date: None. Food deserts, defined as regions with limited access to affordable and nutritious food, are a significant contributor to poor dietary habits and elevated obesity rates. This study employs geospatial analysis to map food deserts and their correlation with obesity prevalence in Texas, utilizing data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the USDA Food Access Research Atlas. The analysis integrates obesity rates, socioeconomic factors, and food access metrics to identify disparities and inform targeted interventions. According to 2021 CDC data, 35.5% of Texas adults were obese, with rates exceeding 40% in low-income and minority communities. Our findings reveal that 12.5% of Texas residents live in food deserts, with urban areas such as Houston (Harris County) and Dallas (Dallas County) showing concentrated food deserts and obesity rates of 38.2% and 37.5%, respectively. Rural regions, including the Texas Panhandle and South Texas, exhibited even higher disparities, with obesity rates reaching 41.2% in Hidalgo County, where 30% of census tracts are classified as food deserts. Statistical analysis confirmed that individuals in food deserts were 1.7 times more likely to be obese compared to those with adequate food access (p < 0.001). The heatmap visualization highlighted stark disparities, particularly in underserved urban and rural areas. For example, in Harris County, 22% of census tracts are food deserts, correlating with an obesity rate of 37.8%. Similarly, in rural Zavala County, 45% of tracts lack adequate food access, with obesity rates as high as 42.5%. These findings underscore the intersection of socioeconomic inequities, food insecurity, and obesity, emphasizing the need for systemic interventions. This study demonstrates the utility of geospatial analysis in identifying high-risk populations and guiding public health strategies. Recommendations include expanding access to healthy food retailers through incentives for grocery stores and farmers' markets, implementing mobile food markets in underserved areas, and enhancing nutrition education programs. Addressing food insecurity is critical to reducing obesity and its associated comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. By leveraging CDC and USDA data, this study provides a evidence-based framework for policymakers and healthcare providers to target interventions effectively. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of food access interventions on obesity rates and health outcomes, ensuring sustainable solutions for vulnerable populations. Presentation: Sunday, July 13, 2025