Exploring the relationship between childhood obesity and proximity to the coast: A rural/urban perspective

Abstract

HighlightsThis study examines the relationship between childhood obesity and coastal proximity.Results indicate that childhood obesity prevalence is lower in coastal England.However this relationship is apparent outside of, but not within, urban conurbations.Future policy initiatives could focus on improving coastal access for children. ABSTRACTChildhood obesity is one of the 21 st century's most serious global health challenges.Research suggests that better access to 'greenspace' (e.g. parks) may encourage physical activity and reduce the risk of obesity amongst children. We extend earlier work by considering childhood obesity in relation to proximity to the coast, using data from England's National Child Measurement Programme. Results suggest that although the overall prevalence of childhood obesity is slightly lower at the coast (-0.68 percentage points comparing <1km to >20km, p<0.001), the relationship depends on area type. Specifically, although a coastal proximity gradient (lower obesity rates nearer the coast) was found for rural areas and smaller cities and towns, it was not present among large urban conurbations (interaction p-value <0.001). Coastal environments and access to them are changing in many areas, and research to explore potential impacts on child health is warranted.

Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing

“…A growing body of epidemiological evidence indicates that greater exposure to, or ‘contact with’, natural environments (such as parks, woodlands and beaches) is associated with better health and well-being, at least among populations in high income, largely urbanised, societies 1 . While the quantity and quality of evidence varies across outcomes, living in greener urban areas is associated with lower probabilities of cardiovascular disease 2 , obesity 3 , diabetes 4 , asthma hospitalisation 5 , mental distress 6 , and ultimately mortality 7 , among adults; and lower risks of obesity 8 and myopia 9 in children. Greater quantities of neighbourhood nature are also associated with better self-reported health 10–12 , and subjective well-being 13 in adults, and improved birth outcomes 14 , and cognitive development 15 , in children.…”

Greenspace, physical activity, and BMI in children from two cities in northern Mexico

“…Blue space has been defined previously by Foley and Kistemann (2015) as health-enabling places and spaces, where water is at the center, for the promotion of wellbeing. Researchers are beginning to examine proximity to water and its relation to physical activity and childhood obesity (White et al, 2014; Wood et al, 2016). For example, Wood et al found that coastal proximity was associated with lower rates of obesity in adults for rural areas and small towns, but not for larger urban cities (Wood et al, 2016).…”

“…Researchers are beginning to examine proximity to water and its relation to physical activity and childhood obesity (White et al, 2014; Wood et al, 2016). For example, Wood et al found that coastal proximity was associated with lower rates of obesity in adults for rural areas and small towns, but not for larger urban cities (Wood et al, 2016). In our study, children living in Ensenada, a coastal city, may have engaged in physical activity in and around Bahía de Todos Santos—an inlet of the Pacific Ocean.…”

Evaluation of a surfing programme designed to increase personal well-being and connectedness to the natural environment among ‘at risk’ young people

“…Within the literature on natural environments and their relationship with human health and wellbeing, there is also growing recognition of the beneficial effects of bluespaces, such as rivers, lakes and the sea (Depledge & Bird, 2009) for both adults (Völker & Kistemann, 2011;Wheeler, White, Stahl-Timmins, & Depledge, 2012;White et al, 2010), and children and young people (Ashbullby, Pahl, Webley, & White, 2013;Tapsell, Tunstall, House, Whomsley, & Macnaghten, 2001;Wood et al, 2016). On the one hand, these places are seen as particularly relaxing and good for reducing stress and inducing positive emotions (Cocker, 2012;MacKerron & Mourato, 2013;White, Pahl, Ashbullby, Herbert, & Depledge, 2013).…”