Output details

The role of independent fast-food outlets in obesogenic environments: a case study of East London in the UK

This paper is based on research commissioned by Tower Hamlets Primary Care Trust (PCT), and funded by the UK Department of Health. It arose from concerns regarding the role played by fast food outlets in contributing to rising levels of obesity.

The study reviewed planning policy towards fast food outlets and mapped all outlets in the borough. Interviews with 30 fast food businesses, 51 customers, and local health professionals working with businesses, examined attitudes and barriers towards the sale and consumption of healthier food.

The research demonstrated that use of the planning regime to control growth in fast food outlets is unlikely to impact on obesity in areas where the market is already saturated. Instead work with existing businesses on encouraging healthier catering is required. In uncovering the role played by fast-food outlets in providing local employment and a culturally acceptable (alcohol free and halal food) meeting place for the local Muslim community the paper demonstrates that local level research is essential for enabling a better understanding of the local obesogenic environment and prior to developing policy interventions.

The results of the research were presented at a national conference organised by LB Tower Hamlets (Future Public Health in Tower Hamlets: Learning from the Healthy Borough Programe, London, February 17th, 2011) and have drawn the attention of several overseas health agencies. The paper was one of two papers nominated by EPA for the 2012 Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP) Prize.