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Neighborhood risk factors for obesity
1Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Talbot 2E, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA. rptlopez@bu.edu
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|August 23, 2007
Summary
Neighborhood factors like supermarket access influence obesity risk. Improving food access may be key to reducing obesity rates in urban populations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Public health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Obesity is a complex health issue influenced by various factors.
- Understanding the role of neighborhood environments is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between neighborhood environmental characteristics and obesity in adults.
- To identify specific urban environmental factors linked to obesity risk.
Main Methods:
- Multi-level study combining U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and U.S. Census data.
- Surveyed 15,358 adults across 327 zip code tabulation areas (1998-2002).
- Assessed individual and zip code level variables, including socioeconomic factors, density metrics, and food environment indicators.
Main Results:
- Median household income, population density, employment density, and establishment density were associated with obesity risk.
- The presence of a supermarket significantly reduced obesity risk (RR = 0.893).
- Fast food establishment density showed a weak association with obesity risk.
Conclusions:
- Residential location and neighborhood environment play a role in obesity status.
- Enhancing access to supermarkets and improving food access are potential strategies for obesity reduction.
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