Built environment and childhood obesity

Abstract

Childhood obesity, an escalating global health challenge, is intricately linked to the built environment in which children live, learn, and play. This review and perspective examined the multifaceted relationship between the built environment and childhood obesity, offering insights into potential interventions for prevention. Factors such as urbanization, access to unhealthy food options, sedentary behaviors, and socioeconomic disparities are critical contributors to this complex epidemic. Built environment encompasses the human-modified spaces such as homes, schools, workplaces, and urban areas. These settings can influence children’s physical activity levels, dietary habits, and overall health. The built environment can be modified to prevent childhood obesity by enhancing active transportation through the development of safe walking and cycling routes, creating accessible and inviting green spaces and play areas, and promoting healthy food environments by regulating fast-food outlet density. School design is another area for intervention, with a focus on integrating outdoor spaces and facilities that promote physical activity and healthy eating. Community engagement and education in reinforcing healthy behaviors is necessary, alongside the potential of technology and innovation in encouraging physical activity among children. Policy and legislative support are crucial for sustaining these efforts. In conclusion, addressing the built environment in the fight against childhood obesity requires the need for a comprehensive, multipronged approach that leverages the built environment as a tool for promoting healthier lifestyles among children, ultimately paving the way for a healthier, more active future generation.