Our results highlight the need for more research on the influences
of fast-food availability on fast-food consumption. Specifically,
studies should consider individual differences in how the structural
presence or perceived availability of fast food can influence fastfood
consumption. Although this study cannot rule out previousinconsistencies in the data, our results indicate that neighborhood
fast-food availability might not directly influence fast-food
consumption. If our findings are replicated, they suggest that policylevel
interventions that reduce neighborhood fast-food availability
with the aim of reducing fast-food consumption might not be as
effective as hoped.