There has been much discussion in the media and communities about chronic disease and influences of the environment. For this assignment, you are asked to review the article “Obesogenic Environments” ( Joreintie, D., & et.al. (2014) Obesogenic Environments: A Systematic Review of the Association Between the Physical Environment and Adult Weight Status, the SPOTLIGHT project. BMC Public Health. Retrieved from: doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-233). This article touches on the influence of environment to affect obesity most specifically.

Introduction

The article “Obesogenic Environments: A Systematic Review of the Association Between the Physical Environment and Adult Weight Status” by Joreintie et al. (2014) explores the concept of obesogenic environments and their impact on adult weight status. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the rising prevalence of obesity and its associated health implications. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the physical environment and adult weight status.

Summary

The article begins by defining the term “obesogenic environments,” which refers to environments that promote unhealthy eating habits and sedentary behaviors, ultimately contributing to obesity. The authors emphasize that individual behaviors alone cannot fully explain the obesity epidemic and that the physical environment plays a crucial role. The article presents a systematic review of studies investigating the association between the physical environment and adult weight status, drawing data from the SPOTLIGHT project.

Methods

The authors conducted a systematic literature search to identify relevant studies published between January 2000 and January 2014. They included studies that examined the association between the physical environment (including features related to urban planning, transportation, food environment, and recreational facilities) and adult weight status. The selected studies were evaluated for quality, and data were extracted for analysis.

Findings

The systematic review identified a total of 60 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed a significant association between the physical environment and adult weight status. Specifically, features of the physical environment such as proximity to fast food outlets, access to recreational facilities, walkability of neighborhoods, and population density were consistently linked to weight status. The authors note that these associations were seen across different populations and countries, highlighting the universality of the impact of the physical environment on obesity.

Discussion

The authors discuss several key findings from the systematic review. Firstly, they emphasize the importance of access to healthy food options and the negative impact of a high density of fast food outlets on weight status. The availability and variety of nutritious food options were found to be associated with lower levels of obesity. Conversely, a higher density of fast food outlets was consistently linked to higher rates of obesity.

Secondly, the walkability of neighborhoods was identified as a significant factor in influencing weight status. Neighborhoods that are designed to facilitate physical activity, with sidewalks, parks, and other recreational facilities, were associated with lower obesity rates. In contrast, car-dependent neighborhoods with limited walkability were linked to higher rates of obesity.

Moreover, the authors highlight the importance of transportation infrastructure in shaping weight status. Communities with well-developed public transportation systems were linked to lower obesity rates. This finding suggests that access to public transportation enables individuals to engage in active commuting and physical activity, contributing to a healthier weight status.

Lastly, the authors discuss the impact of urban planning on weight status. Higher population density was consistently associated with lower obesity rates. This finding suggests that compact urban areas with mixed land use encourage physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors, ultimately leading to healthier weight status.

Conclusion

The article “Obesogenic Environments” provides valuable insights into the association between the physical environment and adult weight status. The findings of this systematic review highlight the importance of addressing the physical environment as a key determinant of obesity. By understanding the impact of features such as food availability, walkability, transportation infrastructure, and urban planning, policymakers and public health professionals can develop effective strategies to create healthier environments and combat the obesity epidemic.