Deterrent to Healthy Lifestyles in Our Communities

Abstract

To the Editor .— We certainly agree with the recent letter to the editor of Pediatrics 1 that emphasized that the current epidemic of obesity requires prevention work on several fronts including the identification of barriers to healthy lifestyles in our communities. In addition, we also believe that it is important to identify best practices of obesity prevention irrespective of whether they are active or passive. However, the author raised a very important perspective: “Our reliance on the automobile and our propensity to design our urban environments for cars rather than for people may well be an additional root cause of the obesity epidemic.”1 Transport is an important determinant of public health. It affects physical activity levels, crashes and injuries, social and economic opportunities, and general well-being.2 Extensive literature on the various health benefits of physical activity has necessitated the understanding of determinants, risks, and barriers to physical activity. It has been highlighted that one of the biggest epidemics facing the world in the 21st century is the growing obesity in children. This epidemic has been attributed largely to sedentary lifestyles. Therefore, it is critical to identify the barriers and the potentially effective strategies for surmounting the problems that hinder walking and cycling.3 …