Fast food spatial clustering and childhood obesity in Monterrey, Mexico

This research constitutes an exploratory analysis aimed at identifying spatial distribution patterns of sectors associated with fast food and the interaction with some cases of children with obesity. Using spatial statistics techniques, areas of high concentration of these types of establishments were identified. Several significant clusters were found for all activities associated with fast food throughout the city, particularly the most likely cluster of fast-food franchises, which has a diameter of 7.96 km, covering a large part of the central space of the city. Similarly, there are co- location patterns between the different groups of establishments. On the other hand, localization patterns were found between a sample of children with obesity and the establishments. This research can be an important source of information for public policy decision-making, as it could help focus efforts to improve urban environments associated with nutrition.