Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anna Henry, Leanne Fried, Andrea Nathan, Gursimran Dhamrait, Bryan Boruff, Jasper Schipperijn, Donna Cross, Ben Beck, Gina Trapp, Hayley Christian
Summary: Child obesity is a serious public health challenge influenced by individual choices and societal and environmental factors. Current Australian government policies need to address the impact of the built environment on child obesity, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet more comprehensively, including involving children in policy development and implementing transparent evaluation plans.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Thao Minh Lam, Alfred J. J. Wagtendonk, Nicolette R. R. den Braver, Derek Karssenberg, Ilonca Vaartjes, Erik J. J. Timmermans, Joline W. J. Beulens, Jeroen Lakerveld
Summary: This study aimed to create a comprehensive index to quantify obesogenicity in all neighborhoods in the Netherlands, considering both food and physical activity environments. The resulting OBCT index revealed that obesogenicity was lower in more urbanized neighborhoods, except for extremely urbanized ones. The OBCT index showed moderate correlations with both the food and physical activity environments.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kimberly M. Daniels, Leah H. Schinasi, Amy H. Auchincloss, Christopher B. Forrest, Ana V. Diez Roux
Summary: The neighborhood environment where a child lives can have a long-term impact on their weight and obesity. Studies have found that fast food restaurants have a more pronounced effect on girls, while green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities may have a beneficial impact on weight. Additionally, increased crime and low perceived safety could be risk factors for weight gain.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Nicholas A. Howell, Gillian L. Booth
Summary: In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity and diabetes worldwide. Researchers and policymakers have been focusing on promoting healthy lifestyles at a population level by studying the influence of the built environment on physical activity levels. This review examines the relationship between the built environment, physical activity, and obesity-related diseases and explores how other environmental factors interact with the built environment to affect metabolic health.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Lawrence D. Frank, Alexander Bigazzi, Andy Hong, Leia Minaker, Pat Fisher, Kim D. Raine
Summary: The study found that neighborhood walkability and food environments are important factors in shaping physical activity, diet, and obesity.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chinmoy Sarkar, Ka Yan Lai, Rong Zhang, Michael Y. Ni, Chris Webster
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize evidence on the associations between workplace built environment and metabolic health. The results showed a significant association between access to/density of destinations and services and metabolic health.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Brittney N. Dixon, Umelo A. Ugwoaba, Andrea N. Brockmann, Kathryn M. Ross
Summary: There is a diverse range of impacts of built environment factors on dietary intake, physical activity, and weight status, with preliminary support for certain relationships. However, concerns were raised regarding methodological limitations and poor study quality, indicating a need for further research improvement and consensus-building on definitions and measurements.
Article
Development Studies
Bindong Sun, Xiajie Yao, Chun Yin
Summary: Overweight poses a serious threat to public health. This study finds that the association between the built environment and overweight differs between urban and rural contexts. Mixed land use and fewer supermarkets are positively related to overweight in both settings. Higher road density is negatively associated with overweight in urban areas, but not significantly related in rural areas.
HABITAT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan R. Vallarta-Robledo, Stephane Joost, Marco Andre Vieira Ruas, Cedric Gubelmann, Peter Vollenweider, Pedro Marques-Vidal, Idris Guessous
Summary: The built environment may influence the spatial patterns of physical activity independently of socioeconomic and demographic factors. Interventions in the built environment should be considered to promote physically active behaviors in urban areas.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yuanyuan Guo, Linchuan Yang, Yang Chen
Summary: Bike share promotes physical activity and green mobility. Understanding the connection between bike share usage and the built environment is crucial for system operation and urban planning.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Howard Frumkin
Summary: The built environment plays a significant role in the transmission of COVID-19, with risk factors such as crowding, poverty, and poor indoor air circulation. Long-term implications of the pandemic for the built environment may include changes in building design, increased teleworking, and population shifts away from urban centers. Monitoring and adapting to these changes can help optimize healthy built environments during and after the pandemic.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Mirmahdi Seyedrezaei, Burcin Becerik-Gerber, Mohamad Awada, Santina Contreras, Geoff Boeing
Summary: Equity in the built environment refers to meeting the needs of different groups through planning, design, construction, operation, management, and regulation. Despite extensive research, certain needs and groups receive more attention, leading to significant inequities. Studies mostly focus on inequities in residential buildings, transportation facilities, and public open spaces, with fewer examining water and energy infrastructure, commercial buildings, educational buildings, and healthcare facilities. Well-being, mobility, and access needs are prioritized over shelter and safety needs. Inequities experienced by minorities, low socioeconomic status individuals, those with health concerns, and vulnerable age groups receive more attention than those relating to gender/sexual-orientation vulnerability or displaced groups. The literature has limited focus on subgroups such as refugees, homeless individuals, those with cognitive differences, people with visual or hearing impairments, children, and women. These findings suggest the need for future research to address the needs of vulnerable groups and alleviate inequities in the built environment.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Michelle J. White, Elizabeth McClure, John Killeen, Janna Howard, Asheley C. Skinner, Tracy Spears, Eliana M. Perrin
Summary: This study evaluated the association between neighborhood recreational built environmental changes and changes in body mass index (BMI) in a longitudinal assessment. Results showed that proximity to parks was associated with a decrease in BMIp95, while Healthy Mile Trails were associated with an increase in BMIp95 among specific groups. The findings suggest that built environment changes may impact obesity disparities differently and addressing family-level barriers in addition to proximity may be necessary to improve disparities.
ACADEMIC PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Thao Minh Lam, Ilonca Vaartjes, Diederick E. Grobbee, Derek Karssenberg, Jeroen Lakerveld
Summary: In the past two decades, the concept of the built environment has emerged as an important determinant of obesity, with numerous studies attempting to link environmental characteristics to weight-related outcomes. While most studies have not confirmed the influence of built environments on weight, there is evidence for some obesogenic environmental characteristics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH GEOGRAPHICS
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
D. J. Sailor, J. Anand, R. R. King
Summary: This review explores the feedback mechanisms between photovoltaic energy production and the urban environment, highlighting the potential impacts on urban temperatures, building energy use, and overall PV efficiency. Future developments of PV technologies should focus on increasing efficiency, enhancing reflection of unconverted energy, and considering the effects of urban conditions on system performance.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
James H. Buszkiewicz, Heather D. Hill, Jennifer J. Otten
Summary: This study examined the association between state minimum wages and adult health outcomes, finding a positive correlation between a two-year lagged minimum wage and obesity and elevated body mass index. There was no association found between current minimum wage and health outcomes, suggesting that the timing of minimum wage changes may affect health differently.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
James H. Buszkiewicz, Heather D. Hill, Jennifer J. Otten
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Shilpi Gupta, Chelsea M. Rose, James Buszkiewicz, Linda K. Ko, Jin Mou, Andrea Cook, Anju Aggarwal, Adam Drewnowski
Summary: Higher consumption of 'ultra-processed' (UP) foods is associated with higher energy density and lower diet quality scores. The percentage energy from UP foods is inversely linked to lower food expenditures and diet cost, showing a negative association with affordability and socioeconomic status.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chelsea M. Rose, Shilpi Gupta, James Buszkiewicz, Linda K. Ko, Jin Mou, Andrea Cook, Anne Vernez Moudon, Anju Aggarwal, Adam Drewnowski
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2020)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Shilpi Gupta, Chelsea M. Rose, James Buszkiewicz, Jennifer Otten, Marie L. Spiker, Adam Drewnowski
Summary: Research shows that Americans waste about a pound of food per day, with inedible vegetables, fruits, and meats being the main sources. The amount of food waste is closely related to diet quality, food expenditures, education, and residential property values.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
James H. Buszkiewicz, Jennifer F. Bobb, Philip M. Hurvitz, David Arterburn, Anne Vernez Moudon, Andrea Cook, Stephen J. Mooney, Maricela Cruz, Shilpi Gupta, Paula Lozano, Dori E. Rosenberg, Mary Kay Theis, Jane Anau, Adam Drewnowski
Summary: The study found that built environment variables were associated with baseline obesity prevalence and body mass index, but had limited impact on weight trajectories over time. Adjusted regression models showed that higher density metrics and frequency counts were associated with lower weight gain at the 5-year follow-up.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
James H. Buszkiewicz, Jennifer F. Bobb, Flavia Kapos, Philip M. Hurvitz, David Arterburn, Anne Vernez Moudon, Andrea Cook, Stephen J. Mooney, Maricela Cruz, Shilpi Gupta, Paula Lozano, Dori E. Rosenberg, Mary Kay Theis, Jane Anau, Adam Drewnowski
Summary: The relationship between the built environment and weight change varies among different demographic groups, with factors such as gender and race/ethnicity influencing weight change to varying degrees.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Skyler Hallinan, Chelsea Rose, James Buszkiewicz, Adam Drewnowski
Summary: The study shows that various foods from all categories can contribute to a nutritionally adequate diet, with ultra-processed foods being the main sources of added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, as well as playing important roles in certain vitamins and minerals. Optimized dietary patterns generated using linear programming models are more balanced in fat, sugar, and salt intake compared to the mean, while also providing more vegetables.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Meredith T. Niles, Alyssa W. Beavers, Lauren A. Clay, Marcelle M. Dougan, Giselle A. Pignotti, Stephanie Rogus, Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Rachel E. Schattman, Rachel M. Zack, Francesco Acciai, Deanne Allegro, Emily H. Belarmino, Farryl Bertmann, Erin Biehl, Nick Birk, Jessica Bishop-Royse, Christine Bozlak, Brianna Bradley, Barrett P. Brenton, James Buszkiewicz, Brittney N. Cavaliere, Young Cho, Eric M. Clark, Kathryn Coakley, Jeanne Coffin-Schmitt, Sarah M. Collier, Casey Coombs, Anne Dressel, Adam Drewnowski, Tom Evans, Beth J. Feingold, Lauren Fiechtner, Kathryn J. Fiorella, Katie Funderburk, Preety Gadhoke, Diana Gonzales-Pacheco, Amelia Greiner Safi, Sen Gu, Karla L. Hanson, Amy Harley, Kaitlyn Harper, Akiko S. Hosler, Alan Ismach, Anna Josephson, Linnea Laestadius, Heidi LeBlanc, Laura R. Lewis, Michelle M. Litton, Katie S. Martin, Shadai Martin, Sarah Martinelli, John Mazzeo, Scott C. Merrill, Roni Neff, Esther Nguyen, Punam Ohri-Vachaspati, Abigail Orbe, Jennifer J. Otten, Sondra Parmer, Salome Pemberton, Zain Al Abdeen Qusair, Victoria Rivkina, Joelle Robinson, Chelsea M. Rose, Saloumeh Sadeghzadeh, Brinda Sivaramakrishnan, Mariana Torres Arroyo, McKenna Voorhees, Kathryn Yerxa
Summary: This study shows a higher prevalence of food insecurity in the US since the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in surveys targeting high-risk populations. Certain demographic groups, such as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, households with children, and those with job disruptions, are at higher risk of food insecurity. The variability in estimates is reported due to the differences in survey implementation methods.
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maricela Cruz, Adam Drewnowski, Jennifer F. Bobb, Philip M. Hurvitz, Anne Vernez Moudon, Andrea Cook, Stephen J. Mooney, James H. Buszkiewicz, Paula Lozano, Dori E. Rosenberg, Flavia Kapos, Mary Kay Theis, Jane Anau, David Arterburn
Summary: Moving to higher-density neighborhoods may be associated with reductions in adult weight gain.
Article
Development Studies
Mahesh Somashekhar, James Buszkiewicz, Scott W. Allard, Jennifer Romich
Summary: Immigrant-owned businesses respond to minimum wage increases similarly to other businesses, but immigrant-owned franchises are less likely to fire employees, reduce hours, or lower wages. This may be due to their reliance on fewer employees and more family labor.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT QUARTERLY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
James H. Buszkiewicz, Chelsea M. Rose, Linda K. Ko, Jin Mou, Anne Vernez Moudon, Philip M. Hurvitz, Andrea J. Cook, Adam Drewnowski
Summary: This study examined the associations between neighborhood built environment, residential property values, and changes in body mass index (BMI). The results showed that at baseline, road intersection density, access to food sources, and residential property values were inversely associated with BMI. After one year, participants with higher density and more fast-food restaurants nearby showed less BMI gain, while after two years, higher residential property values were predictive of lower BMI gain. There was also evidence of differences in these associations based on age, gender, and education.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
James H. Buszkiewicz, Anjum Hajat, Heather D. Hill, Jennifer J. Otten, Adam Drewnowski
Summary: The association between minimum wage and health varies based on different subpopulations and health outcomes. The study highlights the heterogeneous associations between minimum wage, obesity, and psychological distress by racial, ethnic, and gender strata, emphasizing the importance of further research in promoting health equity.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Social Work
Scott W. Allard, Jennifer Romich, James H. Buszkiewicz, Anne K. Althauser, Emmi E. Obara
SOCIAL SERVICE REVIEW
(2020)
Article
Urban Studies
Jennifer L. Romich, Scott W. Allard, Emmi E. Obara, Anne K. Althauser, James H. Buszkiewicz
URBAN AFFAIRS REVIEW
(2020)