Walkable neighborhoods can reduce prevalence of obesity, diabetes
Date:
February 24, 2022
Source:
The Endocrine Society
Summary:
People who live in walkable neighborhoods with access to parks
and other outdoor activities are more active and less likely to
have diabetes or obesity, according to a new article.
FULL STORY ========================================================================== People who live in walkable neighborhoods with access to parks and other outdoor activities are more active and less likely to have diabetes or
obesity, according to a new paper published in the Endocrine Society's
journal, Endocrine Reviews.
========================================================================== Nearly half of the adults in the United States have obesity, and over 11 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes. Researchers and policymakers
have been searching for an effective way to promote healthy lifestyles
at a population level to address these dual epidemics.
The built environment is the humanmade structures that provide people
with living, working and recreational spaces. This environment includes buildings, neighborhoods, parks, bike paths, restaurants, shops, roads
and public transportation. Human health is affected by the physical environments we construct.
"The built environment can influence physical activity levels by
promoting active forms of transportation, such as walking and cycling
over passive ones, such as car use," said Gillian L. Booth, M.D.,
M.Sc., of the University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital of Unity
Health Toronto and ICES in Ontario, Canada. "Shifting the transportation choices of local residents may mean that more members of the population
can participate in physical activity during their daily routine without structured exercise programs." The researchers reviewed several studies
on the built environment and their effects on public health and found
walkable, activity-friendly cities and neighborhoods were associated
with a lower risk of obesity and diabetes. One large population-based
study of 32,767 people found the prevalence of obesity among adults
living in highly walkable neighborhoods compared to those living in low walkability areas was 43% vs. 53%.
A study of 1.1 million adults with normal blood sugar levels found
the incidence of pre-diabetes was 20% higher among people living
in less walkable areas after 8 years of follow up. Another study of
1.6 million adults found a 30% to 50% higher likelihood of developing
diabetes among people living in low versus highly walkable areas. In a population-based Canadian study, moving from an unwalkable to a highly
walkable neighborhood was associated with a 54% lower likelihood of
being diagnosed with high blood pressure.
The paper also noted that air pollution and high concentrations of
fast-food restaurants are risk factors for diabetes and can substantially reduce the benefits of living in a walkable neighborhood.
"We need policies that promote healthier eating habits and opportunities
to engage in active forms of transportation," said Booth. "Designing neighborhoods that have safe and effective public transit options, cycling infrastructure and walking paths may reduce traffic related pollution."
The co-lead author of this study is Nicholas A. Howell, M.D., Ph.D.,
of the University of Toronto.
The study received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research.
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always get wrong about diet and exercise. Claim_yours_now_>>> ========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by The_Endocrine_Society. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.
========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Nicholas A Howell, Gillian L Booth. The weight of place: Built
environment correlates of obesity and diabetes. Endocrine Reviews,
2022; DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac005 ==========================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220224091123.htm
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