Neighborhood health-promoting resources and obesity risk (the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis).

ABSTRACT:

Objective

While behavioral change is necessary to reverse the obesity epidemic, it can be difficult to achieve and sustain in unsupportive residential environments. This study hypothesized that environmental resources supporting walking and a healthy diet are associated with reduced obesity incidence.

Design and methods

Data came from 4,008 adults aged 45-84 at baseline who participated in a neighborhood ancillary study of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Participants were enrolled at six study sites at baseline (2000-2002) and neighborhood scales were derived from a supplementary survey that asked community residents to rate availability of healthy foods and walking environments for a 1-mile buffer area. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) . Associations betwe

SUBMITTER: Auchincloss AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3511654 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature