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Supermarkets Make Adults Fatter

In developing and emerging countries, the shift towards purchasing food in supermarkets changes people’s dietary habits and may lead to an increase of weight in adults. That is the finding of a study carried out by German researchers which was published in “Public Health Nutrition.”

Scientists from the University of Goettingen analysed data from 450 households in several towns in Kenya with, and without supermarkets. In addition to collecting detailed information on consumer behavior, the researchers also measured the height and weight of the household members.

The study confirmed that purchasing food in supermarkets contributes to changes in eating habits. “People purchasing in supermarkets eat more processed foods and have higher calorie intakes; they are 13 per cent more likely to be overweight or obese than people who purchase their food in traditional outlets,” explained study leaders Matin Qaim and Stephan Klasen.

The analyses showed that it is cheaper to purchase calories in a supermarket than in traditional shops. However, that has a positive effect on children and adolescents, since purchasing in supermarkets reduces their level of undernourishment. The researchers concluded however, that depending upon the initial status, the shift could be positive, or negative.