Location of Food Stores Near Schools Does Not Predict the Weight Status of Maine High School Students

Objective: To examine the relationship between stores selling calorie-dense food near schools and student obesity risk, with the hypothesis that high availability predicts increased risk. Methods: Mail surveys determined height, weight, and calorie-dense food consumption for 552 students at 11 Maine high schools. Driving distance from all food stores within 2 km (1.24 miles) of schools (or the closest store) was computed, and the impact of food store density and proximity to schools on student body mass index was determined by logistic regression. Results: Ten schools had >= 1 store selling soda, and 8 schools had >= 1 fast-food restaurant within 1 km (0.62miles). There were no significant relationships between the proximity or density of food stores around schools and student obesity risk. Students obtained sugar-sweetened beverages in many locations including at school. Conclusions and Implications: Unhealthful food choices are ubiquitous. Consequently, stores selling these food items near schools have no significant affect on student obesity.