Neighborhood Obesity Case Study
Another strategy to prevent future weight gain and reduce obesity in populations is urban planning, and creating environments with incentive for healthy eating and physical exercise. Effective urban planning and community design encourages the population to travel to work using other modes of transportation, such as biking or walking, and ensures that the meets of individuals are being met in their community (Frank, Andersen & Schmid 2004). This can be done by creating communities where schools, shopping centres, gyms, hospitals and other infrastructure is a walkable distance away, which encourages the individual to walk in their community rather than drive, increasing physical activity (Ewing et al 2003; Frank, Andersen & Schmid 2004). Other ways to increase health through urban planning may be to create parks and playgrounds, open fresh food markets, and increase participation in community events.
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It could also be considered a secondary intervention, because it encourages weight loss in overweight and obese individuals, as well as maintaining the health of the population not at risk (Ewing et al 2003). Secondary interventions address the health of at-risk individuals (Fleming & Parker 2012). By creating a supportive environment, community designs encourage healthy choices, targeting people at a healthy BMI and individuals with a higher BMI. Urban planning targets a community and the people who use the community resources; if this kind of planning was applied everywhere it could be universal. However, urban planning now usually affects the individuals living in the community. Urban planning has a very long-term effect; it may take a few years before any evidence of effectiveness
It could also be considered a secondary intervention, because it encourages weight loss in overweight and obese individuals, as well as maintaining the health of the population not at risk (Ewing et al 2003). Secondary interventions address the health of at-risk individuals (Fleming & Parker 2012). By creating a supportive environment, community designs encourage healthy choices, targeting people at a healthy BMI and individuals with a higher BMI. Urban planning targets a community and the people who use the community resources; if this kind of planning was applied everywhere it could be universal. However, urban planning now usually affects the individuals living in the community. Urban planning has a very long-term effect; it may take a few years before any evidence of effectiveness