Abstract

Obesity is linked to behaviors related to food consumption and physical activity. Although the factors affecting behaviors in these areas are complex, there is growing evidence that the physical characteristics of many of our communities, and particularly poorer communities, encourage obesity-generating behaviors including a sedentary lifestyle arid unhealthy eating habits. This paper explores the relationship between obesity causing behavior and the physical characteristics of communities and highlights some of the challenges and opportunities associated with changing those physical characteristics.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Comments

Reprinted in Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader, 510-519 (Lawrence O. Gostin ed., rev. 2d ed. 2010)

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