The article covers the topic of whether or not there is a correlation
with land use and obesity. To test this there was either a circle drawn around the
house with a decided upon radius or there was a limit of number of blocks that
equaled the same number. The land was then split up between different
categories that would determine the ability to walk the area. The difference in
landscapes can then develop patterns in which the people of study could move. A
city with a lot of parks and a proximity to work would score a higher chance of
walking to work and in some cases it would have low correlation with obesity.
Certain things that could affect the probability of someone walking can be
things like a nearby grocery store or places where social interaction are
common. When a person is surrounded by only one type of land and is not within
walking distance to other needs (food or work) they probably won't walk much.
In most cases if there was a diverse surrounding
with different types of landscape it was more likely that walking would occur
in those areas. When the people of the study were walking more frequently
to nearby things instead of other means of transportation they tended to be on
average less obese.
I think it would be interesting if governments could use this information to prevent obesity in communities across America by building more parks and more reasons to walk rather than drive. I think this study could genuinely benefit America, since I'm sure many areas in the country are struggling to control obesity.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be interesting if governments could use this information to prevent obesity in communities across America by building more parks and more reasons to walk rather than drive. I think this study could genuinely benefit America, since I'm sure many areas in the country are struggling to control obesity.
ReplyDeleteAs a city developer this would be good important if you were concerned for the well being of the community. This would also be helpful information when moving to a new location. I would think a property would be more attractive if there were several walkable places surrounding it.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to compare the map of obesity, and walking, to one of income levels, and to see if there is a correlation.
ReplyDeleteI think it would also be interesting to see how the walking rates compare to cities with very developed public transportation systems, not only in areas with parks, since public transportation also requires walking.
ReplyDeleteThis study could be potentially improved by increasing the number of factors of obesity. What amount of fast food restaurants are in a given location, are there any Workout facilities close by (how much does it cost). It seems that there could be a number of socio-economic factors that might aid in this study.
ReplyDelete