An agent-based model of income inequalities in diet in the context of residential segregation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low dietary quality is a key contributor to obesity and related illnesses, and lower income is generally associated with worse dietary profiles. The unequal geographic distribution of healthy food resources could be a key contributor to income disparities in dietary profiles.

Purpose

To explore the role that economic segregation can have in creating income differences in healthy eating and to explore policy levers that may be appropriate for countering income disparities in diet.

Methods

A simple agent-based model was used to identify segregation patterns that generate income disparities in diet. The capacity for household food preferences and relative pricing of healthy foods to overcome or exacerbate the differential was explored.

Results

Absent ot

SUBMITTER: Auchincloss AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3625685 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature