Exploring the links between population density, lifestyle, and being overweight: secondary data analyses of middle-aged and older Chinese adults

Abstract

Background: The increasing prevalence of obesity across all age groups has become a major health concern in China. Previous studies have found strong links between population density, sedentary lifestyle, and the risk of being overweight among adults and adolescents in Western countries. However, little research has been conducted to disentangle this relationship in China, which is rapidly urbanizing and densely populated. Compared to other age groups, middle-aged and older adults tend to have a higher risk of being overweight, which increases their risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other weight-related chronic diseases. In addition, they are especially sensitive to neighbourhood environmental factors such as population density. Therefore, we aimed to unravel the link between population density and the risk of being overweight among Chinese middle-aged and older adults, with a particular focus on the mediating role of lifestyle choices. Methods: Data from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were analysed. Individuals (N = 5285) were sampled from 405 neighbourhoods nested within 150 cities. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated based on self-reported body weight and height (being overweight was defined as a BMI ≥ 24 kg/m 2). Multilevel regression and mediation analyses were applied to explore associations between population density, a sedentary lifestyle, and the risk of being overweight. Results: Middle-aged and older adults who lived in densely populated neighbourhoods had higher odds of being overweight. Further, this link was mediated by residents' mode of travel and physical exercise; specifically, these residents had higher odds of owning a car and spending lesser time on weekly physical exercise, thereby increasing their risk of being overweight. Furthermore, the association between car ownership and the odds of being overweight varied by neighbourhood population density. Conclusions: There was a positive association between neighbourhood population density and middle-aged and older adults' risk of being overweight. This relationship may exist because people who live in densely populated neighbourhoods tend to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Our findings also suggest that, in rapidly urbanizing countries, a sedentary lifestyle may be especially harmful to middle-aged and older adults who live in densely populated neighbourhoods.

Racial and ethnic disparities in SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: analysis of a COVID-19 observational registry for a diverse US metropolitan population

“…For example, there are reports linking obesity, lack of physical activity and higher mortality with residence in densely populated neighbourhoods. 22 23 …”

Relationship between neighbourhood social participation and depression among older adults: A longitudinal study in China

“…Preventing and reducing the risk of depression is therefore a key public health concern especially for older people (Helbich et al, ; Niles & O'Donovan, ; Wang, Liu, et al, ; Wang, Lu, et al, ). Compared to young people, older people spend more time in their neighbourhoods due to retirement and functional restriction (Liu et al, ; Wang, Feng, Xue, Liu, & Wu, ; Wiles et al, ; Wiles, Leibing, Guberman, Reeve, & Allen, ) and neighbourhood environment may play an important role in their daily life. There has been increasing interest in the role of neighbourhood social participation in health promotion for the elderly people, since it reflects the ability of neighbourhoods to provide health‐related resources (World Health Organization, ), including those impacting depression in older adults.…”

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Analysis of a COVID-19 Observational Registry for a Diverse U.S. Metropolitan Population

“…For example, there are reports linking obesity, lack of physical activity, and higher mortality with residence in densely populated neighborhoods. 19,20 All rights reserved. No reuse allowed without permission.…”