Activity-Friendly Built Environment Attributes and Adult Adiposity

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Physically active and sedentary behaviors are key factors in adult weight gain.
• Built environment attributes are increasingly recognized as significant correlates of these behaviors and subsequent adiposity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize current evidence on the association between built environment attributes and adult adiposity.
• To evaluate the strength and direction of these relationships based on study design and specific environmental features.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search identified 41 relevant studies.
• Studies were categorized by design: cross-sectional (34), prospective (6), or mixed (1).
• Data were analyzed based on built environment indices, specific walkability elements, destination proximity, and pedestrian-environment attributes.

Main Results:

• Cross-sectional studies showed mixed results, with some significant positive associations between built environment features and adiposity.
• Prospective studies yielded stronger evidence, with 9 out of 20 identified relationships being significant and in the expected direction.
• Evidence linking specific built environment attributes to adult adiposity remains modest.

Conclusions:

• The current body of evidence on built environment and adiposity relationships is modest.
• Improvements in measurement methodologies and an increase in prospective research are crucial for strengthening this evidence base.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between the built environment, physical activity, and adult weight management.