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Abstract
The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between availability of restaurants in the neighborhood and the prevalence of obesity in the United States (U.S.). The study sample consists of 72,691 individuals participating in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of American households. Findings of this study indicate a positive and significant relationship between availability of both fast-food and non-fast-food restaurants in the neighborhood and the prevalence of body mass index (BMI). We also find that the probability of being obese is significantly higher for individuals who live within 0.25-mile radius of the restaurants. These findings can be used by local, state, and federal government to inform their health policy decisions.