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Environmental influences on eating and physical activity
S A French1, M Story, R W Jeffery
1Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, 1300 South Second Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454, USA. french@epi.umn.edu
Annual Review of Public Health
|March 29, 2001
Summary
The obesity epidemic is driven by environmental factors promoting overeating and inactivity. Strategies to create supportive environments for healthy eating and physical activity are crucial for public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Obesity rates have surged in US adults and children over the past two decades.
- The current obesity epidemic is largely attributed to environmental factors.
- These factors promote excessive food consumption and reduce physical activity levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review environmental influences on physical activity and eating behaviors.
- To examine recent trends in food supply, eating out, physical activity, and inactivity.
- To discuss the impact of advertising, promotion, and pricing on health behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of environmental influences on eating and physical activity.
- Analysis of recent trends in food and activity environments.
- Examination of marketing and economic factors affecting behavior.
Main Results:
- The environment significantly shapes eating and physical activity patterns.
- Trends in food availability, dining habits, and sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity.
- Advertising, promotions, and pricing strategies influence food choices and activity levels.
Conclusions:
- Public health interventions must address environmental factors to combat obesity.
- Creating environments that support healthy eating and physical activity is essential.
- Strategies should focus on modifying the obesogenic environment to promote well-being.