Our Neighborhood Effects Our Obesity Risk

Obesity is a very complex health condition that can be effected by many factors.  While obesity is still considered the result of too many calories consumed and to little exercise, many things influence our eating and exercise habits.  One such factor to which most of us give very little thought is our physical environment.  Yet studies are starting to show that the neighborhoods in which we live might effect our obesity risk.

In one new obesity research study, investigators examined volunteers' perceptions of their environment in relation to body mass and exercise levels.  The researchers also investigated the effect of a light rail transit system on body weight and physical activity.  Information on body mass, obesity, and physical activity was collected both before and after the completion of a new commuter light rail transit system.  The results of this study showed that:

• A positive feeling about one's neighborhood was linked with a lower body mass index, a 15% decreased risk for obesity, and a greater likelihood of getting regular exercise.
• Use of the light rail transit commuter system was associated with a reduction in body mass index and an 81% decreased risk of becoming obese.

A second obesity study examined the effect of a person's food environment (closeness of restaurants, grocers, convenience stores, etc.) on body mass.   The study investigators reported that a higher number of restaurants within a 5-minute walk of one's house was associated with a higher body mass index.  Also, living close to supermarkets and grocery stores was linked to a lower body mass index when compared to living near a convenience store.

The results of these two new studies clearly suggest that our neighborhood environment can have a real impact on our body weight and risk for becoming obese.  Environments that encourage physical activity (e.g. walking to commuter systems, well lit, etc.) and provide availability of healthy food options appear to decrease obesity risk.  Improving neighborhood environments might be an important public policy approach to providing better health and well-being.

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