Neighborhood food choices may affect your health

The balance of healthy-vs.-unhealthy food options near your home has a major impact on your health risk, according to a new report released this week by PolicyLink, UCLA's Center for Health Policy Research, and the California Center for Public Health Advocacy.

The report, Designed for Disease: The Link Between Local Food Environments and Obesity and Diabetes, shows that you are at a higher risk for obesity and diabetes if fast food and convenience stores dramatically outnumber grocery stores and produce markets in your neighborhood.

The study examined the correlation between the health of nearly 40,000 Californians and the mix of retail food outlets near their homes. The conclusion: Your "food landscape" has a significant impact on your health.

Read more about the study here.