Choice and availability of takeaway and restaurant food is not related to the prevalence of adult obesity in rural communities in Australia

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To establish whether choice and availability of takeaway and restaurant food consumption are associated with increased obesity. DESIGN: Crossroads Undiagnosed Disease Study: a cross-sectional study undertaken between June 2001 and March 2003. SETTING: A regional centre and six shire capitals of variables size in rural Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 1454 residents of randomly selected households. MEASUREMENTS: Obesity (by body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference), weekly recreational activity, self-reported frequency of takeaway consumption, number of local takeaway and restaurant food outlets in the area. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity ranged from 25.5-30.8%..