Proximity to fast food ups stroke risk, research suggests

February 19, 2009 Doctors studied people living in one Texas county with hundreds of fast food joints. They found those living in regions with 33 fast food restaurants or more had a 13 percent greater risk of stroke.

Researchers from the University of Michigan speculate easy availability of high-fat, high-salty food may lead to poor dietary choices. That in turn could be causing more obesity and greater stroke risk.

Still, researchers admit there is no direct link, and it could be possible these establishments cluster in neighborhoods where people are already making unhealthy choices.