Obesity Prevention In Urban Settings: Creating Healthy Environments

Abstract

The Center for the Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles and Obesity Prevention, housed in the College of Health and Human Development, at California State University, Fullerton promotes interdisciplinary research and community outreach in areas related to children’s health and weight management. Two studies focusing on the built environment are showcased. The first study, “Commuting Patterns and Obesity Risk” demonstrates that students with longer commute times are more likely to have a body mass index (BMI) over 25, which is considered overweight. The second study, “Increasing Physical Activity with a Mobile Physical Activity Unit” turned a parking lot into a playground. This was created to provide children in Santa Ana, one of the densest cities in Orange County, California, a place to play. The built environment can have a profound effect on physical activity and if given the opportunity, is important to address in the design stages for the health of our communities.