Obesity is a complex health condition with many causes. One key reason it happens is an energy imbalance — when your body takes in more energy (calories) than it uses. This extra energy gets stored as fat, and over time, it can lead to obesity. But what causes that imbalance isn’t always easy to pin down.

Your genes, medications, and even how much sleep you get can affect your weight. Your environment matters, too. Living in a neighborhood with more fast-food restaurants and few safe places to walk or bike can make it harder to stay active and eat healthy, and that can raise your risk of obesity.

Food deserts are another example of how someone’s environment can lead to obesity. Here’s what that means and some solutions that could help.

What Is a Food Desert?

The term “food desert” describes a community that doesn’t have any major supermarkets nearby. People living in food deserts have a harder time getting fresh fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious and unprocessed foods. Instead, they typically rely on small corner stores or convenience stores and fast-food restaurants.

Some neighborhoods have also been called “food swamps,” since they’re often overloaded with convenience foods. The food options available tend to be higher in fat, sugar, and salt. They have energy (calories) but little nutritional value. Studies have found that these ultra-processed foods are linked to weight gain.

Food deserts are more common in places with high rates of poverty. They’re found in both urban areas and rural areas throughout the US. Most food deserts are in the Southern states. Not only do food deserts have no major grocery stores, but the people living in these areas often have a hard time getting to supermarkets because they don’t have a car or access to public transportation.

How Do Food Deserts Affect Obesity Risk?

Studies show that people who live in a food desert are 30 percent more likely to have obesity than those who don’t live in a food desert, even when all other factors are the same. Food deserts can make it harder to eat healthy because they limit access to fresh, nutritious food. When you can’t buy fresh ingredients, it’s harder to make home-cooked meals or get the nutrition your body needs.

Some food deserts are also called food swamps because they have lots of convenience foods that are cheap but low in nutrition. These foods contribute to obesity by giving people calories without filling them up. They usually don’t provide enough protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. It’s no surprise that living in a food desert has been linked to obesity.

However, not all studies support this link. Unfortunately, simply building a supermarket in a food desert doesn’t always lead to people eating more fruits and vegetables or having a healthier body weight. That’s because there’s more to the story.

Environmental and Other Obesity Risk Factors

Food deserts aren’t the only cause of obesity. People are also more likely to develop obesity if they don’t have safe green spaces to enjoy, like parks, hiking trails, and outdoor playgrounds. Local crime rates affect physical activity and eating habits, too. Research has shown that living in a high-crime area can reduce physical activity — in one study, by as much as 28 percent. It also increases snacking for some people.

In other research, giving families the opportunity to move from a high-poverty area to a low-poverty area led to lower body mass index (BMI), even though that wasn’t the main goal of the study. There’s also evidence that people who consider themselves to be poor may have higher anxiety levels and consume more calories.

Obesity is caused by a combination of internal factors and external factors. It’s a complicated issue that’s not easily solved with one or two simple changes. However, any step in the right direction is worth taking.

Finding Solutions and Support

Researchers have spent decades studying the impact of food deserts on communities with different incomes. Now that the problem is better recognized and understood, public health initiatives can help.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets can bring more fresh food to low-income neighborhoods. By accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, these markets can provide food to people who qualify for government assistance.

Farmers markets are a great way to bring people closer to natural food sources. Not only can you buy farm-fresh ingredients, but you can also speak with the people who grow your food and can offer advice on how to prepare and store it.

Grocery Delivery Services

Grocery delivery services are another way to improve access to healthy food. Volunteer-based programs or those funded by programs like the United Way help people in rural communities get access to food from the grocery store without having to leave their homes. Other food assistance programs that try to improve access to healthy food include school meal programs, faith-based food pantries and soup kitchens, and mobile grocery stores.

The relationship between food availability and obesity isn’t simple. Just because food is around doesn’t mean it’s the kind of food your body needs.

If you’re struggling with a lack of access to nutritious food, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to a social worker or community dietitian. They can help connect you with programs and resources in your area.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyObesityTeam, the social network for people with obesity and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with obesity.

What type of food stores are available in your area? How do you think your food environment affects your food choices and body weight? Share in the comments below or on your Activities page.