Association of built environment characteristics with adiposity and glycaemic measures.

Abstract

SummaryObjectiveThis study examined the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships of built environment characteristics with adiposity and glycaemic measures.MethodLongitudinal study sample consisted of 4,010 Framingham Heart Study Offspring (baseline: 1998–2001; follow‐up: 2005–2008) and Generation Three (baseline: 2002–2005; follow‐up: 2008–2011) participants (54.8% women, baseline mean age 48.6 years). Built environment characteristics (intersection density, greenspace, recreation land and food stores) at baseline were collected. Adiposity and glycaemic measures (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, and fasting plasma glucose) at baseline and changes during 6.4‐year follow‐up were measured.ResultsIn cross‐sectional models, higher intersection density and food store density (total food stores, fast food restaurants and supermarkets) were linearly associated with higher BMI (all p < 0.05). Higher greenspace was associated with lower BMI, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, prevalent obesity and prevalent diabetes (all p < 0.05). Longitudinally, higher intersection density and food store density, and lower greenspace were associated with smaller increases in abdominal visceral adipose tissue (all p < 0.05). Higher densities of intersections, fast food restaurants and supermarkets were associated with smaller increases in fasting plasma glucose (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsCollectively, built environment characteristics are associated with adiposity and glycaemic traits, suggesting the potential mechanisms by which built environment influences cardiometabolic health.