Feb 23 2009
Fast-food Restaurants Increases Risk of Stroke?
If there are a number of fast-food restaurants in your neighborhood, your health is at risk. Why? Because a new study, presented at a stroke conference in San Diago, California, has found an interesting link between greater risk of stroke and the number of fast-food restaurants in an area. In fact, the findings of the study points that more fast-food joints in the locality means more risk of stroke!
The University of Michigan study found that stroke risk increased by 13% among residents in areas with a large number of fast-food restaurants, compared to residents in areas with lesser restaurants. During the study, the researchers looked at 1,247 cases of ischemic stroke from January 2000 through June 2003 in Nueces County, Texas. They also collected information about fast-food restaurants in the country and found that there was total 262 of them. Then they determined the total number of fast-food restaurants in each area by using 64 U.S. Census Bureau tracts. After analysis of demographics and socio-economic status of each area, the researchers found an interesting link between stroke and fast-food joints.
The researchers found that in areas with most fast food restaurants, there was a 13% increase in risk of stroke. On the other hand, where the number of restaurants was less, the risk of stoke increased just by 6%.
So, what does it mean? Well, the findings of this study does not prove that the number of fast-food restaurants directly caused the increase in risk of stroke. There may be different reasons or factors which increases the chances of stroke. Fast foods does have a relation with stroke, as it may increase obesity which ultimately increases risk of stoke. But, you just can’t say that you will get a stroke because you live in a neighborhood with many fast-food restaurants down. What you say?
I give this news a big ole’ DUH! People need to watch Supersize Me and stop eating junk food!