The Context of Urban Food Environment for Weight Management: "In A City with 24/7 Availability"

Purpose Employing the photovoice assessment methods, this study explores the context of urban environment for weight management of residents in Seoul, Korea. Methods A photovoice approach was implemented from November,... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose

Employing the photovoice assessment methods, this study explores the context of urban environment for weight management of residents in Seoul, Korea.

Methods

A photovoice approach was implemented from November, 2014 to May, 2015 with 44 adult residents of 2 districts in Seoul, who had been diagnosed of obesity within 2 years or had experience of weight control. The participants took photos of what influences their management and described its meaning in a short statement. They elaborated their experience and opinion in following group discussions. Thematic analysis was performed on the photos statements and discussion transcripts.

Conclusions

Constant exposure and close proximity to food, both physically and culturally, were identified as the most salient characteristic of urban food environment in Seoul. The context of urban food environment in Seoul was constructed with mobile food stalls on commuting routes, ‘food streets’ near residential areas, growth and diversification of convenience stores, 24-hour food delivery, and ‘food porn’ on TV and social media. Alcohol was accessible via most of these venues, from mobile food stalls to food delivery, and alcohol drinking, which is often accompanied by high-calorie foods, was a major challenge to weight management.

While being influenced by such physical and cultural environmental, the study participants tended to perceive weight management as a matter of individual will and effort. They believed that environmental and social changes are difficult to make, especially in the era of economic challenges when most of food vendors are small independent business trying to make their living.

The findings of this study illustrate an aspect of the current food environment of a megacity and emphasize context-based approaches to urban health.