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Built environments and obesity in disadvantaged populations
Gina S Lovasi1, Malo A Hutson, Monica Guerra
1Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholars Program, Institute of Social and Economic Research and Policy, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA. gl2225@columbia.edu
Epidemiologic Reviews
|July 11, 2009
Summary
Disadvantaged communities face health disparities linked to their environment. Improving access to supermarkets, exercise facilities, and safety can help reduce obesity and related health issues.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
- Health Disparities Research
Background:
- Obesity and related illnesses are significant public health concerns in the U.S.
- Health disparities persist among disadvantaged populations, including those of low socioeconomic status, Black, and Hispanic ethnicities.
- The built environment's role in these disparities is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review scientific literature on the relationship between obesogenic built environments and health disparities.
- To identify built environment characteristics that influence obesity and related behaviors in disadvantaged groups.
- To explore how environmental factors contribute to obesity-related health inequities.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of studies published between January 1995 and January 2009.
- Screened studies for relevance to disadvantaged individuals or areas (low socioeconomic status, Black, Hispanic ethnicity).
- Included studies with at least 100 participants or area residents, focusing on built environment correlates of obesity or exposure to obesogenic characteristics.
Main Results:
- Strongest evidence links food stores (supermarkets), exercise facilities, and safety to obesity and behaviors in disadvantaged groups.
- Disadvantaged groups often reside in areas with poorer access to supermarkets, exercise places, and aesthetic quality, and face greater safety concerns (traffic, crime).
- Built environment characteristics like food availability, recreational spaces, and neighborhood safety significantly impact obesity risk.
Conclusions:
- Modifying the built environment to support healthy eating and physical activity is a key strategy for reducing obesity.
- Increasing access to supermarkets, exercise facilities, and enhancing neighborhood safety are promising interventions to address obesity-related health disparities.
- Targeted environmental changes can mitigate health inequities associated with obesity in vulnerable populations.
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