The built environment and obesity : you are where you live

BACKGROUND: Obesity has continued to rise in prevalence globally. Its association with many chronic diseases is posing a large threat to public health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to examine briefly the nature and complexity of the problem of obesity and to present evidence about the elements of the built environment that are associated with obesity. DISCUSSION: Management of obesity is far more complex than just requiring people to 'eat less and exercise more'. Social and environmental drivers are known to influence an individual's decisions about healthy behaviour. Some elements of the built environment shown to be associated with obesity are urban sprawl, urban design, land-use mix, transport systems, access to and type of food outlets, and building design. This evidence augments the current individual clinical management of obesity by providing guidance to advocates of health and regulators so they are able to design and create environments that foster healthy eating and personal activity.