In 2008, Los Angeles introduced a law aimed at reducing obesity in low-income areas by restricting fast-food outlets. Despite initial optimism, a 2015 RAND Corporation study revealed that obesity rates actually increased faster in these regions. Now, Abigail Horn from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering is leveraging advanced AI and human mobility data to address this issue more effectively. By analyzing large-scale smartphone data, Horn seeks to understand how daily routines influence eating habits, ultimately aiming to create better interventions for healthier food choices.

Understanding Mobility Patterns to Improve Food Access

In the autumn of 2008, the City of Los Angeles enacted a regulation targeting nearly 700,000 residents by limiting the expansion and establishment of fast-food restaurants in specific neighborhoods. Councilwoman Jan Perry hailed it as a victory for healthier food options. However, contrary to expectations, the RAND Corporation's 2015 study found an uptick in obesity rates in these very areas.

Abigail Horn, a lead scientist at the USC Information Sciences Institute, has embarked on a pioneering research project. She is utilizing vast amounts of human mobility data collected via smartphones to explore how people’s movements impact their food choices. Her team is analyzing the movement patterns of over 15 million Americans using machine learning techniques. One key insight is that individuals often travel several miles away from home to visit fast-food outlets, suggesting that focusing solely on residential areas may not be effective.

Horn’s research aims to identify environmental factors influencing unhealthy food decisions. The National Science Foundation awarded her .5 million for this project, titled "Smart and Connected Communities Food Environment Dynamics (SCCFED)." Collaborating with experts like Kayla de la Haye and Esteban Moro, Horn plans to conduct surveys outside fast-food outlets to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior. These efforts are expected to inform future policy changes, such as improved zoning laws or mobile markets, to enhance access to healthy food options.

On December 19, 2024, Horn organized a launch event for the SCCFED project, emphasizing the importance of partnership between researchers and LA County government to implement impactful policies.

From a journalist's perspective, Horn’s work underscores the need for nuanced approaches in public health policy. It highlights that simply restricting fast-food outlets near homes isn't enough; understanding where people spend their time throughout the day is crucial. This innovative use of AI and big data offers a promising path forward in addressing obesity and promoting healthier communities.