1. As more and more Americans have moved to the
suburbs to pursue the dream of homeownership,
the dependence on car travel has resulted in a
lack of physical activity. This inactivity has given
rise to an increase in obesity, which has been as-
sociated with many other health problems, namely
diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, asthma
and arthritis (Russell-Evans & Hacker, 2011).
Typically, suburban dwellers must rely on driving
to get to places to which city residents can walk, such as work or the grocery
store. To make matters worse, many of the suburbs lack sidewalks or connecting
streets, features which would make suburbs more conducive to healthy activities
such as walking and biking. These factors all contribute to the decline in public
health (Russell-Evans & Hacker, 2011).
According to recent findings by the National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey (NHANES), 64 % of U.S. adults are overweight, almost one-third are
obese, and approximately 280,000 adults in the U.S. die annually as a result of
obesity (Russell-Evans & Hacker, 2011). Study after study find those who have
high levels of activity generally have lower mortality rates than those who are sed-
entary. One approach to developing more healthy community living areas is by
following the Smart Growth model, which favors the presence of mixed land use,
compact building design, walkable communities, open space preservation and
development in existing communities (Russell-Evans & Hacker, 2011).
There are efforts being undertaken nationwide encouraging the revitalization of
urban core centers through building mixed-use developments. Each year, more
and more Americans are rethinking the suburban lifestyle and are choosing to live
closer to work, in mixed used, higher density locations that promote walking and
bicycling (Russell-Evans & Hacker, 2011, p. 110).
Reference:
Russell-Evans, V. & Hacker, C.S. (2011) Expanding waistlines and expanding cities: Ur-
ban sprawl and its impact on obesity, how the adoption of Smart Growth statutes can
build healthier and more active communities, Virginia Environmental Law Journal 29(1),
63-113. ISSN:10455183
Page 12
Neighborhood As A Factor in Obesity
Submitted by Elizabeth Kesil, Grand Canyon University (Student in Health Care
Informatics MS Program)
NEW JERSEY
PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION