Environmental characteristics of neighbourhoods in relation to physical activity and diet

Obesity is a major public health challenge of the 21st century. There has been a steady increase in global obesity rates over the past several decades with minor indications of decline. A lack of physical activity and overconsumption of energy dense food is associated with overweight and obesity. The neighborhood environment may stimulate or hinder the development and/or maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
The aim of this study was to audit neighborhoods in Debrecen, Hungary and describe their characteristics in relation to physical activity and food environment.
Neighborhoods were chosen to represent four different types according to population density, type of housing and socioeconomic data derived from a geocoded database based on national statistical data. The audit was done between September and December 2015 using a previously validated Google Street View (GSV) audit protocol tool which used to assess neighborhood environmental features related to walking, cycling, public transport, aesthetics, land use mix, as well as representation of food outlets and physical activity facilities.
Results showed that supportive environment for physical activity and healthy diet is not evenly represented in each type of neighborhoods. Inner city neighborhood showed higher land use mix and wider range of food outlets. Neighborhoods which are more residential oriented have fewer areas for physical activity such as cycling and also fewer range of food outlets.
Overall physically activity and healthy diet lifestyle is promoted if the environment enables it. Future development related to walking /cycling environment and physical activity facilities will likely promotes active transport and leisure time physical activity. Healthy food choices also need to be supported by higher availability of food outlets.