Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
1048717 | Health & Place | 2009 | 8 Pages |
The impact of obesogenic environments on adolescent health is poorly understood. This study examines if neighbourhood features related to physical activity are also related to unhealthy weight status. Adolescents (N=4587, age 15–17 years, 51.4% male) self-reported physical activity and neighbourhood perceptions. Trained researchers measured height and weight. Logistic regression identified if neighbourhood perceptions predicted overweight or obesity. Adolescents who reported convenient physical activity facilities were 2% less likely to be overweight/obese and 5% less likely to be obese, controlled for socio-demographic variables and clustering by school. Physical activity does not appear to directly influence or mediate the relationship between perceived convenient facilities and weight status.