Associations between the neighbourhood food environment and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review
Authors' conclusion
We found evidence for associations between the neighbourhood food environment and CVD, suggesting that a higher fast-food restaurant density is associated with CVD and CVD mortality. Effect sizes were small but important, given the fact that a large population is exposed.
Study context
- Population
- Adults; studies of the neighbourhood food environment and cardiovascular disease (CVD), published 2000–202215 studies
- Comparison
- Higher vs lower neighbourhood fast-food restaurant density
- Outcome
- Association between the neighbourhood food environment and CVD
Methodological detailsnarrative synthesis, 15 studies included after screening 5915 records; risk of bias by shortened QUIPS tool
- Narrative synthesis
- 15 studies included after screening 5915 records; risk of bias by shortened QUIPS tool
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
CVD prevalence, incidence and CVD mortality
- Higher fast-food restaurant density most consistently associated with higher prevalence and incidence of CVD and CVD mortality; effect sizes small
Further pooled results
MI or stroke
- Evidence of an association with fast-food restaurant density inconsistent
Other food environment aspects (food service restaurants, unhealthy food outlets, food access score)
- Scant evidence
Original publication
Associations between the neighbourhood food environment and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 27 July 2023. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it