Children's built environments influence their access to nutritious foods and physical activityIn this literature review, Rahman, Cushing and Jackson examine the relationship between built environment characteristics and childhood obesity. The purpose of the review is to bring together a synthesis of evidence to inform decision-making to help reduce the root causes of childhood obesity at a time when it has grown to what are widely considered to be epidemic proportions. They cite the two main components of childhood obesity as physical inactivity and improper nutrition, and state “it is becoming increasingly evident that the built environment can determine the level of exposure to these risk factors.”
The authors examine the role of the built environment in supporting physical activity, providing access to healthy foods, and limiting access to unhealthy foods. For example, the authors review evidence concerning students' access to fast-food restaurants and the benefits that can be gained from participation in neighborhood and/or school gardens. Rahman and colleagues also examine the role of the built environment in providing opportunities for children to be physically active. For example, the authors review evidence regarding neighborhood factors that influence how children get to and from school, as well as how often they are active outdoors.
Rahman and colleagues conclude that changes to our built environment can help children be more active and eat healthier diets and can result in long-term, positive solutions to childhood obesity. The authors suggest different ways in which health professionals can help make positive changes in the built environment to help reduce childhood obesity. They recommend the following: provide access to safe and nutritious food at school; encourage healthy eating habits; promote Safe Routes to School; ensure that communities are designed or repurposed with healthy living as a clear goal; and encourage agencies to evaluate the impacts to human health when considering policies and regulations. For each of these major recommendations, they offer specific suggested courses of action. For example, under “encourage healthy eating habits,” they suggest “focus on health instead of weight to encourage children to make healthier choices.”
The Bottom Line