Written by Rita Jenkins| 19 August, 2005 17:14 GMT
People who live in pleasant surroundings are three times more likely to exercise, according to a recent study.
Urban dwellers who are exposed to high levels of graffiti and litter are more likely to be obese than those living in areas that have more greenery, according to a study published in the online British Medical Journal.
People are not inclined to spend time outdoors engaging in physical activity in an unpleasant environment, the authors suggest. Lack of outdoor recreation may contribute to obesity and poor health.
Graffiti vs. Greenery
The team analyzed data from a large housing and health survey conducted in eight European cities in 2002-2003. They recorded participants' height, weight and level of physical activity.
Researchers observed the residential environment and recorded the amount of graffiti, litter and dog mess, as well as the level of vegetation and greenery visible in the surrounding area.
Factors such as age, sex and social status were also taken into account.
Environment Impacts Activity Level
Persons who live in clean areas with high levels of vegetation are three times more likely to be physically active and forty percent less likely to be overweight, results indicate.
In contrast, inhabitants of barren, neglected communities are half as likely to be physically active and twice as likely to be overweight.
Efforts to promote physical activity and reduce weight should take into account environmental as well as individual factors, conclude the authors.
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