RAND: LA's Fast-food Restrictions Unlikely to Reduce Obesity

An ordinance to restrict fast-food chain restaurants in South Los Angeles is unlikely to cut obesity, say researchers at Rand Health. In a study published in Health Affairs, the researchers found that the South Los Angeles region has no more fast-food chain establishments on a per capita basis than other parts of the city, but rather many more small food stores and other food outlets. They said these small food stores and outlets are more likely to be the source of high-calorie snacks and soda consumed substantially more often by residents of South Los Angeles as compared to other parts of the city.