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People don t gain or lose weight because they live near a fast-food restaurant or supermarket, according to a new study led by the University of Washington. And, living in a more walkable , dense neighborhood likely only has a small impact on weight.
These built-environment amenities have been seen in past research as essential contributors to losing weight or tending toward obesity. The idea appears obvious: If you live next to a fast-food restaurant, you ll eat there more and thus gain weight. Or, if you have a supermarket nearby, you ll shop there, eat healthier and thus lose weight. Live in a neighborhood that makes walking and biking easier and you ll get out, exercise more and burn more calories.