Changing foodscapes 1980-2000, using the ASH30 Study

Abstract

There has been a dramatic change in the UK 'foodscape', accompanied by increasing rates of overweight and obesity. This study explores dietary change and change in BMI recorded longitudinally (1980-2000) against the change in food availability recorded retrospectively. Over 20 years the foodscape changed dramatically, with the total number of food outlets increasing by 79.4%. Analysis did not find a relationship between the foodscape and food intake patterns in 1980 or 2000. However statistically significant associations were found between 1980 foodscape and percent change in BMI. Adding geographical elements to a dietary study adds an interesting dimension in exploring the change in eating and BMI from adolescence to adulthood.