Tools- of Changes

The Built Environment a Strong Predictor of Adolescents' Obesity, Eating Behaviors

This open-access study found that the built environment, but not social and economic environments, was a strong predictor of adolescents' BMI, overweight or obesity status, and eating behaviors.

The study used multivariate linear and logistic models to look at the relationship between 19 indicators, for 1,111 military families in the USA. Built environment features -such as access to healthy food outlets, parks and green spaces, street connectivity, and walkability - created opportunities for individuals to engage in physical activity and healthy eating. The factors included for built environment included access to fast food restaurants, parks, healthy foods, recreational facilities and exercise opportunities.