Changing foodscapes 1980–2000, using the ASH30 Study

There has been a dramatic change in the UK ‘foodscape’, accompanied by increasing rates of overweight and obesity. This study explores dietary change and change in BMI recorded longitudinally (1980–2000) against the change in food availability recorded retrospectively. Over 20 years the foodscape changed dramatically, with the total number of food outlets increasing by 79.4%. Analysis did not find a relationship between the foodscape and food intake patterns in 1980 or 2000. However statistically significant associations were found between 1980 foodscape and percent change in BMI. Adding geographical elements to a dietary study adds an interesting dimension in exploring the change in eating and BMI from adolescence to adulthood.