Built Environments and Obesity in Disadvantaged Populations

This Epidemiologic Reviews article reviews published scientific literature to understand the impact of the physical environment on the obesity levels of low-income and minority populations.

The article concludes that increased supermarket presence, places of exercise, and neighborhood safety would all contribute to lower obesity levels in low-income and majority black and Hispanic-populated areas. The review used 45 studies, all consisting of original research into the effect of “obesogenic” environments. These “obesogenic” environments tend to have higher numbers of fast foods restaurants, less fresh produce available, and are less safe.

Read the article.