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LOS ANGELES (AP) — A new study says a Los Angeles law that restricted the opening of new stand-alone fast-food restaurants in one of the poorest sections of the city did not curb obesity or improve diets.
The zoning ordinance passed in 2008 limited the opening or expansion of fast-food outlets in South Los Angeles, which struggles with high obesity rates and other health problems.
The law did not ban new eateries in strip malls.
The research by the Rand Corp. think tank found that obesity rates in South Los Angeles continued to rise after passage of the law.
Health experts say a single intervention will not reverse the obesity problem. People also have to exercise and make lifestyle changes.
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