Recorded presentation

Russell P. Lopez, MCRP, DSC, Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Talbot Building 2E, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, 617 414-1439, rptlopez@bu.edu

A number of studies have been published linking the built environment and obesity. Some of these studies have focused on the neighborhood environment: the presence of sidewalks, proximity to parks and other local effects. Others have looked at the built environment from the “macro level” the effects of urban sprawl as measured on the county or metropolitan level. The vast majority of these studies have been suburban and cross sectional, comparing current outcomes to current conditions. A very limited number have studied obesity before and after an environmental amenity has been built and none have been longitudinal with obesity as an outcome. Few have focused on inner city and minority populations. While the preponderance of evidence suggests that the link between the built environment an obesity is real, there are a number of important research needs to pursue.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize current research and evaluate state of knowledge on the built environment/obesity link. Outline gaps in current knowledge and suggest additional needed research.

Keywords: Statistics, Environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Handout (.ppt format, 40.5 kb)

Recorded presentation