Abstract
Previous studies reported contradictory evidence for associations between perceived greenness and obesity mediated by physical activity, focusing on people’s homes or general greenness. Data are lacking in other environments. We studied the association of perceived greenness at home and at university with BMI and physical activity. An online survey collected data from 601 participants, living and studying in and around the city of Graz, Austria; mean age of 24 years. Greenness was assessed using questions on quality of and access to green space; Body mass index (BMI) was derived from self-reported measures; physical activity and sedentariness were measured using the IPAQ questionnaire (short version). On average, BMI was 22.6 (SD = 3.7), physical activity was 63.3 (SD = 51.7) METh/week, and participants spent 5.8 (SD = 4.0) h/day sitting. Regression analyses revealed no associations between perceived greenness and BMI and physical activity for all environments, but a negative association for sedentariness and perceived greenness at home, but not at university. The results indicate a relation between perceived greenness and sedentariness, which differs for the home-and study environment.
Highlights
Forests, vast grasslands, natural landscapes, and omnipresent greenness—nature has been an integral part of life on earth for a long time
We propose that green around the study place of college students does not have the same effects on physical activity and Body mass index (BMI) as green in the home environment
In line with human “love” for nature [1], this may be because home environments are rather chosen due to their natural surroundings compared to study environments, where free time is not likely to be spent. This is why we propose that there is no relation between greenness at university, physical activity, and BMI compared to greenness at home, where these associations exist
Summary
Vast grasslands, natural landscapes, and omnipresent greenness—nature has been an integral part of life on earth for a long time. Public Health 2020, 17, 235 space leads to a higher likelihood of obesity [8] This may be due to the physical activity-promoting properties of these environments, which support active behavior and result in reduced obesity rates [8]. Defined as activities in reclining, seated or lying position accompanied by low energy expenditure [19], sedentary behavior can affect health as an independent predictor, even if physical activity guidelines are met [21]. This makes it an important factor to consider in addition to physical activity levels. Positive effects can be obtained once individuals move or stay in natural environments over a given timeframe [1,2,24], either as a consequence of looking at green space or merely because of its accessibility [4]
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