In many countries, grabbing groceries from supermarkets, convenience stores, or online platforms has become the go-to way to shop. But have you ever stopped to think about how this modern convenience might be affecting our health?
A recent study I worked on with UNICEF colleagues explored how people in 97 countries have shopped for groceries over the past 15 years. What we found was eye-opening—and concerning.
The Rise of Chain Grocery Stores
Globally, the number of supermarkets and convenience stores (let’s call them chain grocery stores for simplicity) has skyrocketed. People are also spending more money in these stores and on their online platforms. But this convenience comes at a cost: our health.
In countries with the highest number of chain grocery stores per person, people tend to buy more unhealthy food, and obesity rates are higher. Here’s why this is such a big deal.
What the Study Found
We analyzed food industry data to understand how the retail food sector has changed worldwide. We looked at the types of stores, how much people spend, and how much unhealthy processed food is sold. Then, we linked these trends to obesity rates using global health data.
Here’s what stood out:
Chain Stores Are Everywhere: Over 15 years (2009–2023), the number of chain grocery stores per 10,000 people increased by 23.6% globally. While high-income countries still have the most stores per person, low- and middle-income countries are seeing the fastest growth. For example:
Myanmar: 21% annual increase in chain stores.
Vietnam: 18% annual increase.
Cambodia: 12% annual increase.
Online Shopping is Booming: Online grocery shopping has exploded. Globally, spending on online food shopping in 2023 was 325% higher than in 2014. The United Arab Emirates and the United States lead the pack, with average annual spending per person reaching
387, respectively.
More Junk Food, More Obesity: Over the 15-year study period, sales of unhealthy processed foods from chain stores increased by 10.9%. In South Asia, the rise was even sharper:
Pakistan: 5% annual increase in unhealthy food sales.
India: 4% annual increase.
Bangladesh: 3% annual increase.
Global obesity rates climbed from 18.2% to 23.7%. Countries with the biggest increases in chain stores also saw the sharpest rises in obesity. For example, in Laos, the number of chain stores per person grew by 15% annually, while obesity rates doubled.
Why Are Supermarkets Part of the Problem?
You might think supermarkets are great because they sell fresh fruits and vegetables. But there’s more to the story:
Highly Processed Foods: Chain stores are packed with sugary, fatty, and salty processed foods. One study found that most products in supermarkets across 12 countries were classified as unhealthy. In countries like India, China, and Chile, the situation was even worse.
Aggressive Marketing: Unhealthy foods are heavily promoted through discounts, ads, and strategic placement (think checkout counters and end-of-aisle displays). This is true everywhere, from Belgium to Ireland to Australia.
Buying Power: Big chain stores have immense control over what’s sold and how it’s priced. They often partner with large food manufacturers to push ultra-processed, unhealthy products.
What Can We Do?
Obesity is a complex issue, but the way we shop for food plays a big role. Governments and retailers need to step up to create healthier food environments. Here are some examples of progress:
The UK: New laws prevent unhealthy foods from being displayed at checkout counters or aisle ends. Starting October 2024, discounts on unhealthy foods (like “buy one, get one free”) will also be restricted.
Norway: One major grocery chain launched a healthy eating campaign, increasing the visibility of fruits and vegetables and offering discounts. The result? A 42% increase in vegetable sales and a 25% rise in fruit sales from 2012 to 2020.
But there’s still a long way to go. In the U.S., for example, supermarkets in low-income areas often lack healthy options. And while some UK retailers are making progress, most still have room for improvement.
The Bottom Line
The rise of chain grocery stores and online shopping has made life more convenient, but it’s also contributing to a global health crisis. It’s time for governments, retailers, and consumers to work together to create food environments that support healthier choices. After all, our health is worth more than convenience.
What do you think? Have you noticed these trends in your own shopping habits? Let’s start a conversation about how we can make healthier choices easier for everyone. 🌱
No comments:
Post a Comment