Skip to main content
2026 AAPD Annual Meeting Main banner
Cheng Crowns
Information & Legend
This session is not in your schedule.
This session is in your schedule. Click again to remove it.
Presentation Icons
Ticket Required
Ticket Required
Sold Out
Sold Out
Recorded Session
Recorded Session
Rate ePoster

Growth & Development

How Limited Access to Food Retailers Impacts Children's BMI

403 - How Limited Access to Food Retailers Impacts Children’s BMI

Saturday, May 23, 2026
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Andres R. Martinez, II, DMD

    Pediatric Dental Resident
    University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL
    University of Illinois Chicago
    Chicago Heights, Illinois, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Sahar Alrayyes, DDS, MS (she/her/hers)

    Clinical professor
    University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

  • Bhakti K. Desai, DMD

    Pediatric Dental Resident, PGY-2
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago IL
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

  • PS

    Patrick D. Smith, DMD, MPH

    Associate Professor
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • CN

    Christina Nicholas, PhD

    Associate Professor
    University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago IL
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Brittaney J. Hill, DDS

    Clinical Associate Professor and Residency Program Director
    University of Illinois Chicago
    University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States

Abstract: Title: How Limited Access to Food Retailers Impacts Children’s BMI



Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine relationships between food insecurity (FI), childhood Body Mass Index (BMI), and geographic proximity to food retailers, with a focus on the Chicago metropolitan area.

Methods: This prospective, observational cross-sectional study utilized participant surveys and dental records collected from the Pediatric and Orthodontic Dental Clinics at UIC (n=171). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using patient height and weight measurements. To assess food insecurity, parents or guardians provided information regarding household food availability during the previous 12 months. Participants were categorized into 3 groups: those who reported never experiencing food insecurity, those who had experienced food insecurity at times, and those who frequently experienced food insecurity. Patient zip codes and nearby supermarket locations were obtained using the Chicago Atlas. This geographic information was used to assess the number and proximity of supermarkets within each zip code. Statistical analyses were performed using standard univariate tests..<

Results: Community FI was not statistically significantly related to BMI (P <0.802). However, Household FI was statistically significantly related to BMI (P <0.019). Socioeconomic status (SES) did significantly impact Household FI, FI Severity, and Community FI (P <0.010, P<0.023, P<0.004).

Conclusions: Household FI does have a significant link to BMI. Geospatial mapping is a powerful tool for understanding the lived experience of patients. Further research with larger samples and additional social determinants of health is warranted.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research funded by National Institute of Justice (NIJ 15PNIJ-22-GG-04433-RESS)