A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between the retail food environment and obesity found that proximity to fast-food outlets was significantly associated with higher obesity risk (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.30, p=0.02), while proximity to supermarkets and fresh fruit and vegetable stores was inversely associated with obesity (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.98, p=0.02). Fast-food outlet density did not show a significant association with obesity (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.04, p=0.18). The study included 103 studies, with density and regression analyses being the most common methods. The retail food environment, including the availability and accessibility of healthy food options, plays a crucial role in obesity prevention. While zoning laws may not be sufficient to address obesity, regulations that increase the availability of healthy food and promote a healthy food environment are needed. The study highlights the importance of considering both the spatial distribution of food outlets and the in-store food environment in shaping dietary behaviors and obesity rates. The findings suggest that improving access to healthy food options and reducing the availability of unhealthy foods can help mitigate the obesity epidemic. The study also notes the need for further research to better understand the complex relationship between the retail food environment and obesity, as well as the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping food access and dietary choices.A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between the retail food environment and obesity found that proximity to fast-food outlets was significantly associated with higher obesity risk (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.30, p=0.02), while proximity to supermarkets and fresh fruit and vegetable stores was inversely associated with obesity (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.98, p=0.02). Fast-food outlet density did not show a significant association with obesity (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.04, p=0.18). The study included 103 studies, with density and regression analyses being the most common methods. The retail food environment, including the availability and accessibility of healthy food options, plays a crucial role in obesity prevention. While zoning laws may not be sufficient to address obesity, regulations that increase the availability of healthy food and promote a healthy food environment are needed. The study highlights the importance of considering both the spatial distribution of food outlets and the in-store food environment in shaping dietary behaviors and obesity rates. The findings suggest that improving access to healthy food options and reducing the availability of unhealthy foods can help mitigate the obesity epidemic. The study also notes the need for further research to better understand the complex relationship between the retail food environment and obesity, as well as the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping food access and dietary choices.