Evidence shows how to build healthier communities

Obesity is the most visible health problem in the industrialized world, and physical inactivity is the second leading preventable cause of death in the United States. There is now substantial evidence that both of these leading health problems are directly related to the design of communities, transportation, facilities and recreation spaces. Though public health is rarely at the table when these decisions are made, public health pays the cost of bad decisions. Continuing to build communities that prevent walking to destinations and to spend 99% of transportation money on roads that make it difficult and dangerous to walk and bike will make these health problems worse. Building communities that will help prevent leading chronic diseases will also help reduce air pollution, traffic congestion, and greenhouse gas generation. This presentation will summarize evidence showing higher physical activity ad lower obesity in communities designed to support physical activity for transportation and recreation purposes. These relationships apply to all ages. This is further evidence that community design may affect risk of obesity. There is enough evidence to justify demand for changed policies.