Obesogenicity of food in the informal food retail environment of low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND

Evidence on food environment obesogenicity has largely focused on the formal sector in high-income countries, overlooking informal food retail environments in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

AIM

To synthesise current evidence on the obesogenicity of foods in informal food retail environments in LMICs.

METHODS

A systematic literature search across four academic databases: Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost (Global Health) and EMBASE, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis. Findings indicate the pervasive availability of unhealthy or more obesogenic alternatives at informal food outlets located at transport stops, public markets, schools and neighbourhoods. The results also highlight the hybrid nature of informal food environments in LMICs, where both healthier and obesogenic options. For example, at transport stops, both fresh produce and high-calorie snacks are readily available. These findings illustrate the complex interplay between food availability, customer preferences and dietary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights gaps in understanding the informal food environment and the need for further research to address its complexity. The hybrid nature of this environment calls for strategies that incentivise food outlets to improve the healthfulness of their offerings. Policymakers and public health practitioners should consider tailored interventions to support healthier food choices within informal food retail settings.

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2025. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ Group.