Connection Between Built Environment and Obesity

Li Fuzhong, Ph.D.
Oregon Research Institute
NIEHS Grant R01ES014252

If you are a baby boomer living in a neighborhood with a high density of fast food restaurants, few sidewalks and no parks, you are more likely to be obese according to NIEHS-supported research conducted by the Oregon Research Institute. In contrast, people living in neighborhoods with higher mixed-land use, high street connectivity, better access to public transportation and more green and open spaces were more likely to engage in some form of neighborhood-based walking program.

This study was unique in that it focused on the baby boom population aged 50-75 which will become the major demographic group in healthcare utilization in the next 20 years. By 2030, 36 percent of the total US population will be over 50 as compared to 25 percent currently. Finding and ameliorating built environment limitations on physical activity are an important component in keeping this population healthy and reducing the health care burden.

Current estimates indicate that 34 percent of the US population aged 20 years or more are obese. The research findings point to access to unhealthy food and lack of accessibility to spaces for exercise as contributing factors for the rise in obesity. The built environment can create barriers to exercise and existing recreational facilities. Simply encouraging people to eat better and get more exercise may not be enough. The researchers point out that zoning and development policies need to be altered to enable people to lead healthier lifestyles.

The researchers examined 120 neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon and more than 1,200 residents in these neighborhoods completed questionnaires providing basic demographic data along with information on exercise and eating habits.

Citation: Li F, Harmer PA, Cardinal BJ, Bosworth M, Acock A, Johnson-Shelton D, Moore JM. Built environment, adiposity, and physical activity in adults aged 50-75. Am J Prev Med. 2008 Jul;35(1):38-46.