![]() The manuscript, “The Weight of Place: Built Environment Correlates of Obesity and Diabetes,” was published online, ahead of print. ![]() The study received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Howell, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Toronto. The co-lead author of this study is Nicholas A. “Designing neighborhoods that have safe and effective public transit options, cycling infrastructure and walking paths may reduce traffic related pollution.” “We need policies that promote healthier eating habits and opportunities to engage in active forms of transportation,” said Booth. 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. 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. Most of the parking for a new performing arts center, for example, should be located at least a block away. How that parking is built and managed can be key to a place’s success or failure. 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. The typical way to densify an unwalkable urban area into a walkable one is to turn surface parking lots into structured decks with a smaller footprint. 53%.Ī 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. 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. 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. “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.” Michael’s Hospital of Unity Health Toronto and ICES in Ontario, Canada. Booth, M.D., M.Sc., of the University of Toronto, St. “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. Human health is affected by the physical environments we construct. This environment includes buildings, neighborhoods, parks, bike paths, restaurants, shops, roads and public transportation. The built environment is the manmade structures that provide people with living, working and recreational spaces. Researchers and policymakers have been searching for an effective way to promote healthy lifestyles at a population level to address these dual epidemics. Nearly half of the adults in the United States have obesity, and over 11 percent of the U.S. 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.
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