Adherence
Residing in walkable neighborhoods with good access to recreation facilities is associated with higher levels of physical activity and a lower likelihood of being overweight or obese.
Choose to live in or visit neighborhoods that are walkable and have accessible parks or recreation facilities. If you already live in such an area, utilize the sidewalks and parks for daily activity. If you live in a car-dependent area, seek out specific destinations that encourage walking or cycling for transport or recreation, as the environment itself supports these behaviors.
Residents of walkable neighborhoods who have good access to recreation facilities are more likely to be physically active and less likely to be overweight or obese.
Why this rating
The paper cites numerous cross-sectional studies, prospective research, and quasi-experimental evaluations, noting that evidence is 'just beginning to emerge' from rigorous designs but is substantial.
Source
Physical Activity and Food Environments: Solutions to the Obesity Epidemic
James F. Sallis et al. · Milbank Quarterly · 2009
DOI 10.1111/j.1468-0009.2009.00550.x
More from this paper
- Multilevel interventions that combine environmental/policy changes with individual education and social support are more effective than individual-focused interventions alone.Good
- Living in neighborhoods with ready access to healthy foods (e.g., supermarkets) is associated with more healthful diets and lower prevalence of obesity, whereas high density of fast-food restaurants has weak or mixed evidence for causing obesity.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →